Transient left ventricular dysfunction in patients with neurovascular events
Giuseppe Andò1, Olimpia Trio, Cesare de Gregorio
1Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Policlinico 'G. Martino', Messina University, Italy. giuseppe.ando@tiscali.it <giuseppe.ando@tiscali.it>
Acute Cardiac Care
|April 14, 2010
Summary
Neurogenic cardiomyopathies, including stress-induced left ventricular dysfunction, share similarities with apical ballooning syndrome. A broader definition,
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Neurogenic cardiomyopathies are increasingly recognized for their complex, multidisciplinary implications.
- Existing literature leaves open questions regarding pathophysiology, risk prediction, and prognosis.
Observation:
- Reversible left ventricular dysfunction is frequently observed following subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- This dysfunction shows clinical and pathophysiological similarities to typical transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome.
Findings:
- Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome is not exclusively an apical abnormality.
- This condition should be considered in patients with acute brain injury and cerebrovascular events.
Implications:
- Acute brain injury, whether physical or psychical, can trigger reversible left ventricular dysfunction.
- A unified definition, 'acute ballooning cardiomyopathy' (ABC), is proposed to encompass these wider clinical scenarios and better meet clinical needs.
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