scholarly journals Takotsubo Syndrome—Is There a Need for CMR?

Author(s):  
Philipp-Johannes Jensch ◽  
Thomas Stiermaier ◽  
Ingo Eitel

Abstract Purpose of Review Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a transient but severe myocardial dysfunction that has been known for decades and is still to be fully understood regarding its clinical presentations and pathophysiological mechanisms. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging plays a key role in the comprehensive analysis of patients with TTS in acute and follow-up examinations. In this review, we focus on the major advantages and latest evolutions of CMR in diagnosis and prognostication of TTS and discuss future perspectives and needs in the field of research and cardiovascular imaging in TTS. Recent Findings Specific CMR criteria for TTS diagnosis at the time of acute presentation are established. In addition to identifying the typical regional wall motion abnormalities, CMR allows for precise quantification of right ventricular and left ventricular (LV) function, the assessment of additional abnormalities/complications (e.g. pericardial and/or pleural effusion, LV thrombi), and most importantly myocardial tissue characterization (myocardial oedema, inflammation, necrosis/fibrosis). Summary CMR enables a comprehensive assessment of the entire spectrum of functional and structural changes that occur in patients with TTS and may have also a prognostic impact. CMR can distinguish between TTS and other important differential diagnoses (myocarditis, myocardial infarction) with direct consequences on medical therapy.

Author(s):  
Ingo Eitel ◽  
Albert van Rossum ◽  
Thomas Stiermaier ◽  
Holger Thiele

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), a form of non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy characterized by a peculiar pattern of transient left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, has drawn increasing research interest in the last decade. While clinical and epidemiological features have been well characterized, the main pathophysiological mechanism of TTS remains largely unknown. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is uniquely suited for the evaluation of patients with TTS. In addition to identifying the typical regional wall motion abnormalities, it allows for precise quantification of right ventricular and LV function, the assessment of additional abnormalities/complications (e.g. pericardial and/or pleural effusion, LV thrombi), and most importantly myocardial tissue characterization (myocardial oedema, inflammation, necrosis/fibrosis). Thus, CMR enables a comprehensive assessment of the entire spectrum of functional and structural changes that occur in patients with TTS. This chapter outlines the role of CMR in TTS and demonstrates that CMR provides important diagnostic information and allows for verifying all relevant functional and tissue criteria to establish or rule out the diagnosis of TTS.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e226289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shmuel Golfeyz ◽  
Takaaki Kobayashi ◽  
Shunsuke Aoi ◽  
Matthew Harrington

We present a case of reverse takotsubo syndrome (rTS) in a 68-year-old woman who presented with acute chest pain and flu-like symptoms. She was found to have elevated troponin and abnormal ECG. Urgent coronary angiogram revealed non-obstructive mild coronary artery disease of the left anterior descending artery. Left ventriculography demonstrated hypokinesis of the left ventricular base with sparing of the mid-ventricle and apex. Nasal viral PCR was positive for Influenza A. The diagnosis was confirmed with repeat echocardiogram 2 weeks later revealing resolution of regional wall motion abnormalities. rTS is a type of TS, mimicking acute coronary syndrome. It is seen in younger patients and often occurs with intense emotional and physical stress. Though many triggers have been reported, rTS associated with influenza A has not been previously documented.


Author(s):  
Ana Devesa ◽  
Rafael Hernández-Estefanía ◽  
José Tuñón ◽  
Álvaro Aceña

Abstract Background Takotsubo syndrome is a frequent entity; however, it has never been described after a mitral valve surgery. Case summary  We present the case of a 79-year-old woman, with background of atrial fibrillation and a left atrial appendage closure device, who was admitted for elective mitral valve replacement, because of asymptomatic severe primary mitral regurgitation. Biologic mitral valve was implanted without incidences, but in the postoperative, she developed cardiogenic shock. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed inverted T waves in precordial leads and an echocardiography showed severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction with mid to distal diffuse hypokinesis, and better contractility in basal segments. Troponin levels were mildly elevated. With the suspicion of a postoperative acute coronary syndrome, a coronary angiography was performed and showed no significant coronary lesions. The haemodynamic situation was compromised for the next 48 h, in which vasoactive support and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation were implemented. After 48 h, the haemodynamic situation suddenly improved. The ECG was normalized, and a control echocardiogram showed partial recovery of the LV function with resolution of regional wall motion abnormalities. The patient could be discharged at 1 week. The clinical picture was interpreted as a stress cardiomyopathy after mitral valve surgery. Discussion  Takotsubo syndrome is a threatening condition; complications in acute phase could lead to a fatal outcome. Mitral valve surgery has to be considered as a trigger for this entity, after excluding coronary involvement, specially of left circumflex artery.


Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah Cannon ◽  
Tadeusz Marciniec ◽  
Bryony Mearns ◽  
Robert M Graham ◽  
Diane Fatkin

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) develops as a compensatory response to myocardial dysfunction due to diverse causes, but is nonetheless a major risk factor for premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is thus unclear if regressing LVH is beneficial or may worsen patient outcome. To evaluate the effects of LVH regression, we developed a transgenic mouse model in which the expression of a familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC)-inducing mutation (R403Q alpha-MHC) can be regulated in a temporal and dose-dependent manner. In this model, transgene expression can be shut off by feeding with a tetracycline analogue (doxycycline). Serial echocardiography and histology studies were performed in a cohort of mice expressing the FHC mutant (“gene-on”) and in wildtype (WT) littermates. A second cohort of WT and 403/+ mice was randomised to placebo or doxycycline (“gene off”) from 6 (Dox6) or 20 weeks (Dox20) and evaluated at 40 weeks of age. Compared to WT littermates, “gene on” 403/+ mice showed increased LV mass, LV end-diastolic diameter (LVDD) and left atrial diameter (LAD), and reduced fractional shortening (LVFS), with changes evident from 12 weeks of age. LV sections from 403/+ mice showed typical features of FHC: myofibre disarray and interstitial fibrosis. LV mass, LV function and myocardial histology were unchanged in both male and female placebo- vs Dox6 or Dox20 mice at 40 weeks (Table 1 ). Thus, consistent with the major LV thickening in FHC humans occurring in adolescence, overexpression of R403Q for only 6 weeks is sufficient to trigger the complete LVH phenotypic response. Moreover, switching off the genetic trigger for LVH in 403/+ mice at 6 weeks (prior to overt disease manifestation) or 20 weeks (established disease) does not induce regression of LVH or exacerbate contractile dysfunction. Interventions to induce LVH regression may, therefore, need to be directed at downstream factors in hypertrophic pathways. Table 1. Echo data for male WT and 403/+ mice aged 40 weeks


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Khanna ◽  
Aditya Bhat ◽  
Henry H Chen ◽  
Kennith Gu ◽  
Gary Gan ◽  
...  

Introduction: Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease process with growing clinical relevance in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Acute-phase myocarditis is known to result in subclinical changes in left ventricular (LV) function despite normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF), as assessed by myocardial deformation indices. The presence of right ventricular (RV) and left atrial (LA) subclinical dysfunction however has not been well described in current literature. Hypothesis: Myocarditis patients have subclinical impairment of LV, RV and LA function as assessed by global longitudinal strain (GLS) on speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods: Consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of myocarditis admitted to our institution during 2013-2018 were assessed (n=76). Patients who did not meet appropriate diagnostic criteria (n=14), had impaired LVEF or prior cardiac disease (n=8) or poor transthoracic echocardiogram images (n=14) were excluded from analysis. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were compared to age- , gender- and risk factor- matched controls. GLS was performed by two independent observers using vendor independent software (TomTec Arena, Germany v4.6). Results: The final cohort consisted 40 patients with myocarditis (age 44.3±16.7, 60% male) and 40 matched controls (44.5±16.6, 60% male). No significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics were observed between groups. No differences in LVEF, indexed LV mass, RV fractional area change, indexed LA volume or TR pressure gradient (p>0.05 for all) were demonstrated between the two groups. Patients with myocarditis had a lower mean LV strain (GLS%: -16.4±2.9 vs -19.7±2.7, p=0.0001), a lower mean RV Free Wall Strain (FWS) (GLS%: -22.1±4.1 vs -26.2±6.9, p=0.03) and a lower mean LA reservoir strain (GLS%: 27.5±4.6 vs. 33.7±6.3, p<0.0001) when compared to controls. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the presence of significant subclinical global myocardial dysfunction despite normal traditional echocardiographic indices, in patients with acute-phase myocarditis. Routine assessment of GLS may identify such patients for early targeted cardiac therapy.


2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathieu Berry ◽  
Jerome Roncalli ◽  
Olivier Lairez ◽  
Meyer Elbaz ◽  
Didier Carrié ◽  
...  

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is usually described following acute emotional stress. We report here the case of a 48-year-old woman admitted for acute coronary syndrome after an intensive squash match. Diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy due to acute physical stress was suspected in presence of normal coronary arteries and transitory left ventricular dysfunction with typical apical ballooning. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed regional wall-motion abnormalities and was helpful in excluding myocardial infarction diagnosis. During squash the body is subject to sudden and vigorous demands inducing a prolonged and severe workload on the myocardium.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 598-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. Shilova ◽  
A. O. Shmotkina ◽  
A. A. Yafarova ◽  
M. Yu. Gilyarov

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a reversible left ventricular dysfunction characterized by local apical hypokinesia usually triggered by a physical or emotional stress. According to the last available data TTS may represent 2% of all admissions for acute coronary syndromes. Despite the reliable prevalence, diagnosis of TTS remains difficult. The initial presentation, both clinically and electrocardiographically, is similar to an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The biomarker profile is also similar, although the peaks of troponin and creatinine kinase levels are lower, and brain natriuretic peptide levels are higher in patients with TTS compared with ST-segment elevation AMI. Modified Mayo diagnostic criteria are the most common for the diagnosis. Pathogenesis of TTS currently is not well understood. Catecholamines appear to play a central role in the pathophysiology of TTS. However, it is conceivable that some people have a genetic predisposition to stress-induced TTS. A genetic predisposition has been suggested based on the few familial TTS cases described. Despite reversible myocardial dysfunction, acute heart failure is the most common complication in the acute phase of TTS. In-hospital mortality rate is comparable to that of ST-segment elevation AMI. There are no randomized clinical trials to support specific treatment recommendations in TTS. It is believed that the tactics of managing patients with TTS hospitalized with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome should comply with the protocol of management of patients with AMI while acute coronary pathology is not excluded.


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