Takotsubo syndrome in the paediatric population: a case report and a systematic review

Alessia Urbinati1, Pierpaolo Pellicori, Federico Guerra

  • 1aCastle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, United Kingdom bOspedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy.

Insights

Takotsubo syndrome, a heart condition, can affect children after brain bleeds. Paediatric patients show unique symptoms and heart changes compared to adults, but outcomes are similar.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Paediatrics

Background:

  • Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is typically associated with postmenopausal women.
  • Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) can precipitate cardiac complications.

Observation:

  • A case of TTS in a 12-year-old male following ICH with a favorable outcome is presented.
  • A systematic review of pediatric TTS cases (<18 years) was conducted.
  • Paediatric TTS affects both sexes equally, unlike the female predominance in adults.

Findings:

  • Pediatric patients more frequently present with heart failure symptoms or loss of consciousness.
  • ST segment depression on ECG is more common in children.
  • Nonapical variants and more severe left ventricular impairment are observed in younger patients.
  • Troponin elevation, reduced ejection fraction, neurological/psychological comorbidities, and in-hospital outcomes are comparable between pediatric and adult TTS patients.

Implications:

  • Recognizing unique pediatric TTS presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
  • Further research into the specific triggers and pathophysiology of TTS in children is warranted.
  • This highlights the importance of considering cardiac complications in pediatric neurological emergencies.

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