[Intermediate term outcome in 70 patients with Tako-Tsubo syndromes]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Tako-Tsubo syndrome, a transient left ventricular dysfunction, lacks extensive data on its long-term evolution.
• Understanding the medium-term outcomes is crucial for patient management and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the medium-term clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic outcomes of patients diagnosed with Tako-Tsubo syndrome.
• To evaluate cardiovascular events, recurrence rates, and long-term changes in cardiac function.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 70 patients with Tako-Tsubo syndrome from November 2003 to January 2012.
• Follow-up parameters included cardiovascular events, recurrence, ECG, and echocardiographic assessments.

Main Results:

• A 92% survival rate was observed in 68 patients over a mean follow-up of 4.8 years.
• 57% were asymptomatic, while 18% experienced recurrent chest pain; 6% developed NYHA class II dyspnea.
• ECG abnormalities persisted in 46% of patients long-term, and 3% showed persistent Q-waves; left ventricular ejection fraction normalized in all patients, though 3% had persistent apical hypokinesia.

Conclusions:

• The medium-term prognosis for Tako-Tsubo syndrome is favorable regarding cardiovascular mortality, with a low recurrence rate.
• Despite favorable outcomes, persistent electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities are frequently observed, indicating potential long-term cardiac changes.