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Published on: February 17, 2018
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a clinical review
Saddam S Abisse1, Athena Poppas2
1Fellow affiliated with the Cardiovascular Institute, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI.
Insights
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a reversible heart condition, is increasingly diagnosed in acute coronary syndrome cases. This stress-induced cardiomyopathy typically resolves with supportive care, though acute complications can arise.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is increasingly recognized in acute coronary syndrome differentials.
- It presents as reversible systolic dysfunction with regional wall motion abnormalities.
- Often triggered by acute emotional or physical stressors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics, diagnosis, and management of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
- To highlight its role in the differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome.
- To discuss the proposed mechanisms and prognosis of TTC.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic findings.
- Analysis of echocardiographic and ventriculographic features.
- Discussion of proposed pathophysiological mechanisms, including catecholamine excess.
Main Results:
- TTC involves transient systolic dysfunction beyond a single coronary artery territory.
- Apical ballooning is a classic finding, but variants exist.
- Long-term prognosis is generally excellent, despite potential acute complications like cardiogenic shock.
Conclusions:
- Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a distinct entity requiring consideration in ACS.
- Supportive treatment is the primary therapeutic approach.
- Understanding TTC's mechanism and prognosis is crucial for patient management.
Abstract:
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a reversible cardiomyopathy which has increasingly been recognized in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. It is characterized by transient systolic ventricular dysfunction with regional wall motion abnormalities beyond a single vascular territory and in the absence of significant epicardial coronary artery obstruction. Often, there is an acute emotional or physical stressor immediately preceding the presentation. Classical apical ballooning is seen on ventriculography or echocardiography but variants with isolated basal or mid wall akinesis have been described. Catecholamine excess and cardiotoxicity is the most compelling putative mechanism. The long-term prognosis is excellent but serious complications including cardiogenic shock and arrhythmias may occur acutely. Supportive treatment is the mainstay of therapy.
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