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Transient cardiac ballooning--the syndrome
Raghav Gupta1, Candice Sech, Ralph Lazzara
1Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. raghav-gupta@ouhsc.edu
Clinical Cardiology
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Transient cardiac ballooning, a reversible heart condition, causes chest pain and ECG changes but no blocked arteries. Myocardial dysfunction typically resolves within weeks, with ongoing research into its causes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Transient cardiac ballooning is a reversible condition mimicking myocardial infarction.
- Patients present with chest pain, ECG abnormalities, and elevated cardiac enzymes without obstructive coronary artery disease.
Observation:
- Left ventriculography shows transient myocardial wall akinesis and systolic ballooning.
- Acute regional myocardial dysfunction is observed.
Findings:
- The condition typically normalizes within 1 to 6 weeks.
- Hypotheses for pathophysiology include direct myocyte injury, postischemic stunning, and neurotransmitter actions.
Implications:
- This review details case series, pathophysiology, diagnostic guidelines, treatment, and prognosis.
- Further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of transient cardiac ballooning is warranted.
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