Takotsubo syndrome

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.

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Tuukka Joki ◽  
Kjell Nikus ◽  
Jari Laukkanen

Abstract Background Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle, mimicking myocardial infarction. Although systolic left ventricular (LV) function normalizes in most cases, the outcome is not always favourable. Recently, a rare electrocardiogram (ECG) finding, lambda wave ST elevation or ‘triangular QRS-ST-T waveform’, was suggested as a possible marker of poor outcome in Takotsubo patients Case summary After a brief episode of chest pain and shortness of breath, a 67-year-old woman developed cardiogenic shock. Her resting ECG showed widespread ST elevations, which soon evolved into a pattern of triangular QRS-ST-T waveforms in the inferior leads and V3–V6. Emergent coronary angiography was normal. The ejection fraction was 20% with apical ballooning and an LV thrombus. At 1-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and the ECG showed only T-wave inversions. Discussion The triangular QRS-ST-T waveform ECG pattern has recently been introduced as a high-risk marker in the Takotsubo syndrome.


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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 232470961989319
Author(s):  
Temidayo Abe ◽  
Melvin Simien ◽  
Hayes Dolphurs

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress cardiomyopathy is a transient reversible cardiomyopathy characterized by regional wall motion abnormalities that usually extend beyond a single epicardial vascular distribution. It is often precipitated by acute physical or emotional stressors. In this article, we present the case of a postmenopausal woman who was admitted for management of acute pancreatitis. On the second day of admission, she developed shortness of breath and electrocardiographic abnormalities. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed left ventricular systolic dysfunction and apical akinesis, and coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries. She was diagnosed with takotsubo cardiomyopathy triggered by acute pancreatitis and started on guideline-directed heart failure medications. A follow-up echocardiogram 4 months later revealed persistent systolic dysfunction and apical akinesis.


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Chirillo ◽  
Anna Baritussio ◽  
Umberto Cucchini ◽  
Ermanno Toniolli ◽  
Angela Polo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is usually characterized by overt heart failure, but other clinical scenarios are possible, sometimes making the diagnosis challenging. Case summary We report a case series of four patients with PPCM. The first patient presented with acute heart failure due to left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Following medical treatment, LV function recovered completely at 1 month. The second patient had systemic and pulmonary thromboembolism, secondary to severe biventricular dysfunction with biventricular thrombi. The third patient presented with myocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries and evidence of an aneurysm of the mid-anterolateral LV wall. The fourth patient, diagnosed with PPCM 11 years earlier, presented with sustained ventricular tachycardia. A repeat cardiac magnetic resonance, compared to the previous one performed 11 years earlier, showed an enlarged LV aneurysm in the mid-LV anterolateral wall with worsened global LV function. Discussion Peripartum cardiomyopathy may have different clinical presentations. Attentive clinical evaluation and multimodality imaging can provide precise diagnostic and prognostic information.


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.


1998 ◽  
Vol 274 (3) ◽  
pp. H937-H944 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Miyamoto ◽  
D. E. McClure ◽  
E. R. Schertel ◽  
P. J. Andrews ◽  
G. A. Jones ◽  
...  

In previous studies, we observed left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction in association with interstitial myocardial edema (IME) induced by either coronary venous hypertension (CVH) or lymphatic obstruction. In the present study, we examined the effects of myocardial edema induced by acute hypoproteinemia (HP) on LV systolic and diastolic function. We also combined the methods of HP and CVH (HP-CVH) to determine their combined effects on LV function and myocardial water content (MWC). We used a cell-saving device to lower plasma protein concentration in HP and HP-CVH groups. CVH was induced by inflating the balloon in the coronary sinus. Six control dogs were treated to sham HP. Conductance and micromanometer catheters were used to assess LV function. Contractility, as measured by preload recruitable stroke work, did not change in control or HP groups but declined significantly (14.5%) in the HP-CVH group. The time constant of isovolumic LV pressure decline (τ) increased significantly from baseline by 3 h in the HP (24.8%) and HP-CVH (27.1%) groups. The end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (stiffness) also increased significantly from baseline by 3 h in the HP (78.6%) and HP-CVH (42.6%) groups. Total plasma protein concentration decreased from 5.2 ± 0.2 g/dl at baseline to 2.5 ± 0.0 g/dl by 3 h in the HP and HP-CVH groups. MWC of the HP (79.8 ± 0.25%) and HP-CVH groups (79.8 ±0.2%) were significantly greater than that of the control group (77.8 ± 0.3%) but not different from one another. In conclusion, hypoproteinemia-induced myocardial edema was associated with diastolic LV dysfunction but not systolic dysfunction. The edema caused by hypoproteinemia was more than twice that produced by our previous models, yet it was not associated with systolic dysfunction. CVH had a negative inotropic effect and no significant influence on MWC. IME may not have the inverse causal relationship with LV contractility that has been previously postulated but appears to have a direct causal association with diastolic stiffness as has been previously demonstrated.


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