International Expert Consensus Document on Takotsubo Syndrome (Part II): Diagnostic Workup, Outcome, and Management

Pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma-associated cardiomyopathy

Pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) are neuroendocrine tumors that frequently produce and release catecholamines. Catecholamine excess can manifest in several cardiovascular syndromes, including cardiomyopathy. PPGL-induced cardiomyopathies occur in up to 11% of cases and are most often associated with an adrenal pheochromocytoma (90%) and rarely with a paraganglioma derived from the sympathetic ganglia (10%). PPGL-associated cardiomyopathies can be chronic or acute, with takotsubo cardiomyopathy being the most often reported. These two types of PPGL-induced cardiomyopathy seem to have different pathophysiological backgrounds. Acute catecholaminergic stress inundates myocardial β-adrenoceptors and leads to left ventricle stunning and slight histological apoptosis. In chronic cardiomyopathy, prolonged catecholamine exposure leads to extended myocardial fibrosis, inflammation, and necrosis, and ultimately it causes dilated cardiomyopathy with a low ejection fraction. Sometimes, especially in cases associated with hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can develop. The prognosis appears to be worse in chronic cases with a higher hospital mortality rate, higher cardiogenic shock rate at initial presentation, and lower left ventricular recovery rate after surgery. Therefore, establishing the correct diagnosis at an early stage of a PPGL is essential. This mini-review summarizes current data on pathophysiological pathways of cardiac damage caused by catecholamines, the clinical presentation of PPGL-induced cardiomyopathies, and discusses treatment options.

Calcineurin signaling promotes takotsubo syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute heart failure syndrome that mimics the symptoms of acute myocardial infarction and is often preceded by emotional and/or physical stress. There is currently no treatment for TTS. Here we show that injection of 2.5 mg kg-1 of epinephrine (EPI) into mice recapitulates numerous features of human TTS, including increased myocardial damage and mortality in males. Gene set enrichment analysis of myocardial RNA sequencing after EPI injection revealed significant enrichment of calcineurin-dependent pro-inflammatory gene networks, which was more pronounced in male than in female mice, in agreement with observed sex discrepancies in the mouse phenotype. An increase in calcineurin activity was detected in the circulating cells of patients with TTS, suggesting a systemic nature of the syndrome. Preventive and therapeutic treatment of mice injected with EPI using calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine and tacrolimus improved heart function and reduced myocardial injury. Our findings suggest that calcineurin inhibition could be a potential therapy for TTS.

Catecholamine-induced Takotsubo syndrome: a case series

Background

Catecholamine-induced Takotsubo Syndrome (cat-TS) is a type of secondary Takotsubo syndrome, characterized by rapid onset of symptoms, high rate of complications during the acute phase, good short-term prognosis, and frequent apical sparing at echocardiogram. We present two clinical cases of cat-TS treated in our department.

Case summary

Case one: 78-year-old man, admitted to Ear Nose and Throat Unit for surgical removal of oral squamous cellular carcinoma. During surgery, the occurrence of hypotensive episode was treated with catecholamines. After surgery, the occurrence of atrial fibrillation was followed by evidence of phasic increase of troponin levels and akinesia of midventricular segments. Angiography showed the absence of significant coronary stenoses, and during hospital stay, we observed rapid recovery of wall motion abnormalities. Case two: 64-year-old woman, admitted for hysteropexy surgery, during which cardiac arrest occurred, treated with epinephrine i.v.1 mg and DC shock. Two hours after resuscitation, the patient developed pulmonary oedema, troponin levels increased progressively, and the echocardiogram demonstrated hypokinesia in all midventricular segments with apical sparing. Afterwards, an urgent angiography highlighted normal coronary anatomy. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed oedema corresponding to hypokinetic areas. On the seventh day, echocardiogram showed a complete remission of wall motion abnormalities.

Discussion

These cases warn the physicians about the importance of routinely screening myocardial impairment through clinical assessment, electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, and serial cardiac troponin testing after catecholamine i.v. bolus administration. In case of alterations of these exams, performing a prompt echocardiogram allows early detection of cat-TS, to provide immediate suitable medical support and avoid complications.

"Please keep on beating"-Participation in a Creative Workshop Offers Unexpected Benefits to Women With Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) or "broken heart syndrome" is a rare condition that is more common in women than men, particularly those who are postmenopausal. It mimics a myocardial infarction and psychological factors have been implicated in its etiology as well as being consequences of its presentation. As part of a public engagement project we brought together 8 women (of 12 invited) previously diagnosed with TCM to facilitate a discussion, through participation in a creative workshop-based process, about their illness experience, how they made sense of it, and the meaning it had for them in their lives, and to identify areas of unmet need. Through a range of creative activities we identified that participants had high levels of unmet need in terms of information and psychosocial support. All participants enjoyed the creative process and meeting other people with a diagnosis of TCM. The workshop overall was perceived as empowering. Exploring patient narratives during artist-facilitated workshops is one approach for providing the first steps to addressing unmet need, although the importance of ensuring psychological safety cannot be over-stated.

Takotsubo syndrome is a coronary microvascular disease: experimental evidence

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a conundrum without consensus about the cause. In a murine model of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), abnormalities in myocardial perfusion played a key role in the development of TTS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Vascular Kv1.5 channels connect coronary blood flow to myocardial metabolism and their deletion mimics the phenotype of CMD. To determine if TTS is related to CMD, wild-type (WT), Kv1.5-/-, and TgKv1.5-/- (Kv1.5-/- with smooth muscle-specific expression Kv1.5 channels) mice were studied following transaortic constriction (TAC). Measurements of left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening (FS) in base and apex, and myocardial blood flow (MBF) were completed with standard and contrast echocardiography. Ribonucleic Acid deep sequencing was performed on LV apex and base from WT and Kv1.5-/- (control and TAC). Changes in gene expression were confirmed by real-time-polymerase chain reaction. MBF was increased with chromonar or by smooth muscle expression of Kv1.5 channels in the TgKv1.5-/-. TAC-induced systolic apical ballooning in Kv1.5-/-, shown as negative FS (P < 0.05 vs. base), which was not observed in WT, Kv1.5-/- with chromonar, or TgKv1.5-/-. Following TAC in Kv1.5-/-, MBF was lower in LV apex than in base. Increasing MBF with either chromonar or in TgKv1.5-/- normalized perfusion and function between LV apex and base (P = NS). Some genetic changes during TTS were reversed by chromonar, suggesting these were independent of TAC and more related to TTS.

CONCLUSION

Abnormalities in flow regulation between the LV apex and base cause TTS. When perfusion is normalized between the two regions, normal ventricular function is restored.

A case report and literature review: pheochromocytoma-mediated takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which is similar to acute myocardial infarction

A 52-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to a cardiac intensive care unit (CCU) due to nausea, vomiting, and dyspnea, which began a day before her hospitalization. Metoprolol succinate and conventional treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were initially administered to the patient based on electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and elevated cardiac troponin I (cTnI). However, the following day, she developed aggravated nausea, vomiting, fever, sweating, a flushed face, a rapid heart rate, and a significant rise in blood pressure. Furthermore, ultrasonic cardiography (UCG) displayed takotsubo-like changes; nevertheless, ECG indicated inconsistent cTnI peaks with extensive infarction. After coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) ruled out (AMI), and in conjunction with the uncommon findings, we strongly suspected that the patient had a secondary condition of pheochromocytoma-induced takotsubo cardiomyopathy (Pheo-TCM). In the meanwhile, the use of metoprolol succinate was promptly discontinued. This hypothesis was further supported by the subsequent plasma elevation of multiple catecholamines and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). After one month of treatment with high-dose Phenoxybenzamine in combination with metoprolol succinate, the patient met the criteria for surgical excision and successfully underwent the procedure. This case report demonstrated that pheochromocytoma could induce TCM and emphasized the significance of distinguishing it from AMI (in the context of beta-blocker usage and anticoagulant management).

Blood Biomarkers in Takotsubo Syndrome Point to an Emerging Role for Inflammaging in Endothelial Pathophysiology

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), an acute cardiac condition characterized by transient wall motion abnormalities mostly of the left ventricle, results in difficulties in diagnosing patients. We set out to present a detailed blood analysis of TTS patients analyzing novel markers to understand the development of TTS. Significant differences in proinflammatory cytokine expression patterns and sex steroid and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression levels were observed in the TTS patient collected. Remarkably, the measured catecholamine serum concentrations determined from TTS patient blood could be shown to be two orders of magnitude lower than the levels determined from experimentally induced TTS in laboratory animals. Consequently, the exposure of endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes in vitro to such catecholamine concentrations did not damage the cellular integrity or function of either endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier, endothelial cells derived from myocardium, or cardiomyocytes in vitro. Computational analysis was able to link the identified blood markers, specifically, the proinflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoid receptor GR to microRNA (miR) relevant in the ontogeny of TTS (miR-15) and inflammation (miR-21, miR-146a), respectively. Amongst the well-described risk factors of TTS (older age, female sex), inflammaging-related pathways were identified to add to these relevant risk factors or prediagnostic markers of TTS.

Diagnosis and Management of Takotsubo Syndrome in Acute Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Comprehensive Review

Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is a frequent complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), especially in massive SAH with severe neurological damage. The initial presentation of TS is similar to acute coronary syndrome, causing differential diagnostic issues. Unnecessary diagnostic steps and uncertainty in therapy may delay the definitive treatment of the aneurysm, therefore increasing the risk of rebleeding. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest knowledge on the diagnosis and therapy of TS in SAH and to provide a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for the acute phase, promoting the early definitive treatment of the aneurysm. Rapid hemodynamic stabilization and early aneurysm securing are key points in reducing the risk of delayed cerebral ischemia and improving outcomes. In acute SAH noninvasive bedside diagnostic methods are preferred and securing the aneurysm is the priority. The combination of electrocardiography, cardiac biomarkers, and echocardiography is of great importance in differentiating TS from acute myocardial infarction. The risk-benefit ratio of coronary angiography should be carefully and individually considered and its use should be limited to patients with strong evidence of myocardial ischemia, after the successful endovascular treatment of the aneurysm. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring may be beneficial in cases of cardiogenic shock or pulmonary edema. In patients with hemodynamical instability secondary to TS, the use of non-catecholamine inotropes, especially levosimendan is recommended. In refractory hypotension, mechanical support should be considered. The left ventricular function improves within days to months after the acute event, low initial ejection fraction may predispose to delayed recovery.

Triggers, characteristics, and hospital outcome of patients with Takotsubo syndrome: 10 years experience in a large university hospital centre

A unique clinical feature of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is the stress trigger factor. Different types of triggers exist, generally divided into emotional and physical stressor. The aim was to create long-term registry of all consecutive patients with TTS across all disciplines in our large university hospital. We enrolled patients on the basis of meeting the diagnostic criteria of the international InterTAK Registry. We aimed to determine type of triggers, clinical characteristics, and outcome of TTS patients during 10 years period. In our prospective, academic, single centre registry, we enrolled 155 consecutive patients with diagnoses of TTS between October 2013 and October 2022. The patients were divided into three groups, those having unknown (n = 32; 20.6%), emotional (n = 42; 27.1%), or physical (n = 81; 52.3%) triggers. Clinical characteristics, cardiac enzyme levels, echocardiographic findings, including ejection fraction, and TTS type did not differ among the groups. Chest pain was less common in the group of patients with a physical trigger. On the other hand, arrhythmogenic disorders such as prolonged QT intervals, cardiac arrest requiring defibrillation, and atrial fibrillation were more common among the TTS patients with unknown triggers compared with the other groups. The highest in-hospital mortality was observed between patients having physical trigger (16% vs. 3.1% in TTS with emotional trigger and 4.8% in TTS with unknown trigger; P = 0.060). Conclusion: More than half of the patients with TTS diagnosed in a large university hospital had a physical trigger as a stress factor. An essential part of caring for these types of patients is the correct identification of TTS in the context of severe other conditions and the absence of typical cardiac symptoms. Patients with physical trigger have a significantly higher risk of acute heart complications. Interdisciplinary cooperation is essential in the treatment of patients with this diagnosis.

Takotsubo syndrome: getting closer to its causes

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) accounts for between 1 and 4% of cases presenting clinically as an acute coronary syndrome. It typically presents as a transient cardiac phenotype of left ventricular dysfunction with spontaneous recovery. More dramatic presentations may include cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. Despite progress in the understanding of the condition since its first description in 1990, considerable questions remain into understanding underlying pathomechanisms. In this review article, we describe the current published data on potential underlying mechanisms associated with the onset of TTS including sympathetic nervous system over-stimulation, structural and functional alterations in the central nervous system, catecholamine secretion, alterations in the balance and distribution of adrenergic receptors, the additive impact of hormones including oestrogen, epicardial coronary or microvascular spasm, endothelial dysfunction, and genetics as potentially contributing to the cascade of events leading to the onset. These pathomechanisms provide suggestions for novel potential therapeutic strategies in patients with TTS including the role of cognitive behavioural therapy, beta-blockers, and endothelin-A antagonists. The underlying mechanism of TTS remains elusive. In reality, physical or emotional stressors likely trigger through the amygdala and hippocampus a central neurohumoral activation with the local and systemic secretion of excess catecholamine and other neurohormones, which exert its effect on the myocardium through a metabolic switch, altered cellular signalling, and endothelial dysfunction. These complex pathways exert a regional activation in the myocardium through the altered distribution of adrenoceptors and density of autonomic innervation as a protective mechanism from myocardial apoptosis. More research is needed to understand how these different complex mechanisms interact with each other to bring on the TTS phenotype.

Postmortem diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome on autoptic findings: is it reliable? A systematic review

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a cardiac syndrome characterized by transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction in the absence of significant obstructive coronary artery disease. At the autopsy, its diagnosis is often challenging, since it is generally thought that it relates to no characteristic macroscopic or microscopic findings. In order to verify this last statement, we performed a systematic review of the literature following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement (PRISMA) criteria. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first systematic review addressing this issue. We identified recurring but not pathognomonic (microscopic) features of TTS: contraction band necrosis and non-specific inflammatory changes (e.g., interstitial infiltrates of mononuclear lymphocytes and macrophages) typically in the absence of microscopic findings typical of acute myocardial infarction. In cases of TTS-related sudden death, careful evaluation of anamnesis, autopsy data and post-mortem genetic results (to exclude other causes) should be considered to overcome the complexity of these cases.

Management and Follow-Up of Biventricular Thrombi

A thrombus is the most common intracardiac lesion. Isolated thrombi usually occur in the setting of ventricular dysfunction, such as a dyskinetic or hypokinetic myocardial wall, following an acute myocardial infarction (MI) or in cardiomyopathies (CM). Concurrent biventricular thrombus formation is rare. There are no clear guidelines for the treatment of biventricular thrombus. In this report, we describe our experience of the successful treatment of a case of biventricular thrombus with warfarin and rivaroxaban.

External Validation of a Clinical Score to Differentiate Takotsubo Syndrome From Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Women

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Clinical presentation of Takotsubo Syndrome (TS) mimics acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A score to differentiate TS from ACS would be helpful to facilitate appropriate investigation and management. We have previously developed a clinical score (NSTE-Takotsubo Score) to distinguish women with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) from TS with non-ST-segment elevation (NSTE-TS). This study sought to assess the diagnostic validity of this score in an external validation cohort.

METHODS

The external cohort consisted of women with NSTE-TS (n=110) and NSTEMI (n=113) from two major tertiary hospitals in New Zealand. The five variables in the arithmetic score (range -6 to +5) and their relative weights are: T-wave inversion (TWI) in ≥6 leads (3 points), recent stress (2 points), diabetes mellitus (DM) (-1 point), prior cardiovascular disease (CVD) (-2 points) and presence of ST depression (-3 points). Two clinicians blinded to the diagnoses calculated the score using clinical and electrocardiogram (ECG) data on day 1 post-admission.

RESULTS

The NSTE-Takotsubo Score discriminated well between NSTE-TS and NSTEMI. The sensitivity and specificity of a score ≥1 to distinguish NSTE-TS from NSTEMI were 78% and 85%, respectively. The area under the receiver operator curve was 0.78 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.84).

CONCLUSION

In an external validation cohort, the NSTE-Takotsubo Score was easy to apply and useful to identify women likely to have NSTE-TS on day 1 post-admission.

Evaluation of causal heart diseases in cardioembolic stroke by cardiac computed tomography

Cardioembolic stroke is a potentially devastating condition and tends to have a poor prognosis compared with other ischemic stroke subtypes. Therefore, it is important for proper therapeutic management to identify a cardiac source of embolism in stroke patients. Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) can detect the detailed visualization of various cardiac pathologies in the cardiac chambers, interatrial and interventricular septum, valves, and myocardium with few motion artifacts and few dead angles. Multiphase reconstruction images of the entire cardiac cycle make it possible to demonstrate cardiac structures in a dynamic manner. Consequently, CCT has the ability to provide high-quality information about causal heart disease in cardioembolic stroke. In addition, CCT can simultaneously evaluate obstructive coronary artery disease, which may be helpful in surgical planning in patients who need urgent surgery, such as cardiac tumors or infective endocarditis. This review will introduce the potential clinical applications of CCT in an ischemic stroke population, with a focus on diagnosing cardioembolic sources using CCT.

Successful treatment of a severe Takotsubo syndrome case complicated by liver abscess

The main manifestations of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) are a spherical expansion of the left ventricle or near the apex and decreased systolic function. TTS is mostly thought to be induced by emotional stress, and the induction of TTS by severe infection is not often reported. A 72-year-old female patient with liver abscess reported herein was admitted due to repeated fever with a history of hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance. Her severe infection caused TTS, and her blood pressure dropped to 80/40 mmHg. IABP treatment was performed immediately and continued for 10 days, and comprehensive medication was administered. Based on her disease course and her smooth recovery, general insights and learnings may be: Adding to mental and other pathological stress reaction, serious infections from pathogenic microorganism could be of great important causation of stress reaction leading to TTS, while basic diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes were be of promoting factors; In addition to effective drug therapies for TTS, the importance of the timely using of IABP should be emphasized.

Exploring the EVolution in PrognOstic CapabiLity of MUltisequence Cardiac MagneTIc ResOnance in PatieNts Affected by Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Based on Machine Learning Analysis: Design and Rationale of the EVOLUTION Study

PURPOSE

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a transient but severe acute myocardial dysfunction with a wide range of outcomes from favorable to life-threatening. The current risk stratification scores of TTC patients do not include cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters. To date, it is still unknown whether and how clinical, trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE), and CMR data can be integrated to improve risk stratification.

METHODS

EVOLUTION (Exploring the eVolution in prognOstic capabiLity of mUlti-sequence cardiac magneTIc resOnance in patieNts affected by Takotsubo cardiomyopathy) is a multicenter, international registry of TTC patients who will undergo a clinical, TTE, and CMR evaluation. Clinical data including demographics, risk factors, comorbidities, laboratory values, ECG, and results from TTE and CMR analysis will be collected, and each patient will be followed-up for in-hospital and long-term outcomes. Clinical outcome measures during hospitalization will include cardiovascular death, pulmonary edema, arrhythmias, stroke, or transient ischemic attack.Clinical long-term outcome measures will include cardiovascular death, pulmonary edema, heart failure, arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events defined as a composite endpoint of death from any cause, myocardial infarction, recurrence of TTC, transient ischemic attack, and stroke. We will develop a comprehensive clinical and imaging score that predicts TTC outcomes and test the value of machine learning models, incorporating clinical and imaging parameters to predict prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The main goal of the study is to develop a comprehensive clinical and imaging score, that includes TTE and CMR data, in a large cohort of TTC patients for risk stratification and outcome prediction as a basis for possible changes in patient management.

Sex Difference in Clinical and Management Outcomes in Patients With Takotsubo Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is being increasingly recognized globally with a female sex predilection. However, sex-related differences in clinical outcomes are yet to be identified. Therefore, we aim to investigate the sex differences in clinical outcomes in patients with TTS. We included cohort studies retrieved from the Web of Science, SCOPUS, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane until September 14, 2022. The risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42022363349. Thirteen retrospective cohort studies, with a total of 104,410 patients were included. Men had a higher risk of in-hospital mortality (RR: 2.42 with 95% CI [1.53, 3.83], P = 0.0002), long-term mortality (RR: 1.59 with 95% CI [1.40, 1.80], P = 0.00001), cardiogenic shock (RR: 1.65 with 95% CI [1.52, 1.79], P = 0.00001), arrhythmia (RR: 1.70 with 95% CI [1.56, 1.86], P = 0.00001), and acute kidney injury (RR: 1.71 with 95% CI [1.50, 1.96]. P = 0.00001), as compared with women. However, no significant difference was observed in stroke (RR: 1.22 with 95% CI [0.78, 1.89], P = 0.39), left ventricular thrombus (RR: 0.96 with 95% CI [0.40, 2.33], P = 0.93), and TTS recurrence (RR: 1.11 with 95% CI [0.68, 1.82], P = 0.67) between men and women. Despite women having a higher incidence of TTS, men have higher morbidity and mortality rates. Hence, further studies are necessary to identify the pathophysiological factors of this sex difference in clinical outcomes, including hormonal and psychological variables.

Takotsubo syndrome: more frequent in women, more dangerous in men

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute myocardial disease characterized by reversible left ventricular dysfunction, in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease, caused by adrenergic overactivity and associated with non-negligible morbidity and mortality. Takotsubo syndrome, by far more frequent in women, who account for 9 out of 10 cases, is generally triggered by intense psychoemotional stress. In men, TTS has different, though not yet fully defined, characteristics and clinical course. In fact, men have a higher prevalence of a physical trigger and comorbidities, such as bronchopulmonary or cerebral pathologies, diabetes mellitus, and malignant neoplasms. The hospital course is burdened by a higher rate of cardiogenic shock and mortality. The long-term prognosis is also less favourable in men. Takotsubo syndrome in men characterizes a higher-risk phenotype, which requires close monitoring during hospitalization and careful surveillance during follow-up.

Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy During Immediate Post-partum: A Case Report

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress-induced cardiomyopathy is a particular entity with a transient left ventricular dysfunction without significant coronary artery obstruction, preceded by a stressful circumstance. Clinical presentation may mimic myocardial infarction, acute heart failure among the most common conditions. If suspected, the integration of clinical aspects, imaging results, and laboratory tests allows its diagnosis and proper management. Once described as a post-menopausal women's disease, is now recognized as a more frequent condition of young women, especially after stressful conditions such as post-surgical status and peripartum period, rendering as a disease with a certain predisposition to female patients, with a not always benign evolution. This case remarks an atypical presentation experiencing a first nigh fatal evolution but a later satisfactory recuperation.

Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Principles of Management of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Review

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a reversible syndrome commonly found among patients presenting for acute coronary syndromes, especially women. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy was dramatically increased. However, this clinical cardiac entity remains underdiagnosed, largely due to the interplay with acute coronary syndrome. The pathophysiology of takotsubo cardiomyopathy is miscellaneous, including coronary vasospasm, microcirculatory dysfunction, catecholamine surge, and sympathetic overdrive. Diagnosing takotsubo cardiomyopathy requires a high index of clinical suspicion and multimodality tests. To date, there are no guidelines for the management of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Thus, available data are derived from case series, retrospective analyses, and experts' opinions. Heart failure medicines were investigated in takotsubo cardiomyopathy patients. Evidence supports the benefits of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptors blockers use on mortality and recurrence rates, while results from use of beta-blockers are controversial. In complicated cases, inotropes are preferred over vasopressors, except in the presence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, in which medical therapy is limited to fluids administration and beta-blockers. Use of oral vitamin K antagonist can benefit patients at high thrombo-embolic risk for up to 3 months. Mechanical supports are reserved for refractory hemodynamically unstable cases. This review aims to provide an update on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and outcomes of takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and an extended discussion on the management of complicated and non-complicated cases.

Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a Critically Ill Patient in the ICU: A Case Report With Literature Review

Takotsubo, or stress cardiomyopathy (SC), is described as a transient systolic dysfunction of the apical segments of the left ventricle mainly triggered by emotional or physical stress resembling the presentation of an acute coronary syndrome in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Reverse Takotsubo SC is a rare variant of SC that presents with basal ballooning instead of apical ballooning seen in classic SC. We present a case of a 74-year-old male who was admitted to the ICU with septic shock. Laboratory test results showed elevated troponin. An echocardiogram showed reduced cardiac contractility and relative hypokinesis of the basal and mid segments compared to the apical segments, consistent with reverse Takotsubo SC, which recovered after 10 days. It can happen in critically ill patients in the ICU secondary to severe sepsis and could contribute to hemodynamic worsening, affecting the final clinical outcomes.

Can Breaking Heroin Addiction Lead to a Broken Heart? A Case of Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a Patient With Heroin Withdrawal

Reverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy is triggered by emotional or physical stress and has a presentation similar to that of acute coronary syndrome. A 39-year-old woman with a history of heroin use disorder presented with intractable nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. She was diagnosed with heroin withdrawal and started on buprenorphine-naloxone. On day 2 of her hospitalization, she developed chest heaviness and had an elevated troponin I level of 3.2 ng/mL (reference range, 0.015-0.045 ng/mL); electrocardiography showed new T-wave inversions in the anterior and inferior leads. Emergent coronary angiography showed patent coronary arteries, and left ventriculography showed basal hypokinesis and apical hyperkinesis, consistent with reverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy secondary to heroin withdrawal. She was started on antihypertensive agents, and her buprenorphine-naloxone dose was increased. At her 3-month follow-up visit, she reported no symptoms consistent with angina or heart failure. This appears to be the first report of heroin withdrawal causing reverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Awareness of this association can lead to earlier recognition and treatment of reverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Long-term prognostic impact of beta-blockers in patients with Takotsubo syndrome: Results from the RETAKO Registry

BACKGROUND

No evidence-based therapy has yet been established for Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Given the putative harmful effects of catecholamines in patients with TTS, beta-blockers may potentially decrease the intensity of the detrimental cardiac effects in those patients.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of beta-blocker therapy on long-term mortality and TTS recurrence.

METHODS

The cohort study used the national Spanish Registry on TakoTsubo Syndrome (RETAKO). A total of 970 TTS post-discharge survivors, without pheochromocytoma, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, sustained ventricular arrhythmias, and significant bradyarrhythmias, between January 1, 2003, and July 31, 2018, were assessed. Cox regression analysis and inverse probability weighting (IPW) propensity score analysis were used to evaluate the association between beta-blocker therapy and survival free of TTS recurrence.

RESULTS

From 970 TTS patients, 582 (60.0%) received beta-blockers. During a mean follow-up of 2.5±3.3 years, there were 87 deaths (3.6 per 100 patients/year) and 29 TTS recurrences (1.2 per 100 patient/year). There was no significant difference in follow-up mortality or TTS recurrence in unadjusted and adjusted Cox analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59-1.27, and 0.95, 95% CI 0.57-1.13, respectively). After weighting and adjusting by IPW, differences in one-year survival free of TTS recurrence between patients treated and untreated with beta-blockers were not found (average treatment effect -0.01, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.04; p=0.621).

CONCLUSIONS

In this observational nationwide study from Spain, there was no significant association between beta-blocker therapy and follow-up survival free of TTS recurrence.

Transient Mid-Ventricular Ballooning Syndrome: An Atypical Variant of Stress Cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stress cardiomyopathy (SCM) or broken heart syndrome, is characterized by transient systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV). It typically affects the apical segment, but several rare variants exist. This report represents a rare variant of atypical stress cardiomyopathy that mimics territorial regional wall motion abnormalities of a blocked epicardial vessel.

Temporal electrocardiographic changes in anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction versus the Takotsubo syndrome

Background

Electrocardiography (ECG) on admission is similar in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). ECG on admission has been extensively investigated and compared between STEMI and TTS, however, only a few studies have compared temporal ECG. Our aim was to compare ECG in anterior STEMI versus female TTS from admission to day 30.

Methods

Adult patients with anterior STEMI or TTS treated at Sahlgrenska University Hospital (Gothenburg, Sweden) from December 2019 to June 2022 were prospectively enrolled. Baseline characteristics, clinical variables and ECGs from admission to day 30 were analyzed. Using a mixed effects model, we compared temporal ECG between female patients with anterior STEMI or TTS, as well as between female and male patients with anterior STEMI.

Results

A total of 101 anterior STEMI patients (31 female, 70 male) and 34 TTS patients (29 female, 5 male) were included. The temporal pattern of T wave inversion was similar between female anterior STEMI and female TTS, as well as between female and male anterior STEMI. ST elevation was more common, whereas QT prolongation was less common, in anterior STEMI compared with TTS. Q wave pathology was more similar between female anterior STEMI and female TTS than between female and male anterior STEMI.

Conclusions

The pattern of T wave inversion and Q wave pathology from admission to day 30 was similar in female patients with anterior STEMI and female patients with TTS. Temporal ECG in female patients with TTS may be interpreted as following a "transient ischemic" pattern.

Endogenous Catecholamine Release in COVID-19 Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Link between Enhanced Sympathetic Stimulation, Cardiac Dysfunction and Outcome

The aim of this study was to measure the serum levels of catecholamines in patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and describe their relation with clinical, inflammatory and echocardiographic parameters. Serum levels of endogenous catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine) were measured at ICU admission. We enrolled 71 patients consecutively admitted to ICU due to moderate to severe ARDS. 11 patients (15.5%) died during the admission in ICU. Serum levels of endogenous catecholamines were significantly elevated. Norepinephrine levels were higher in those with RV and LV systolic dysfunction, higher CRP, and higher IL-6. Patients with higher mortality rate were those with norepinephrine values ≥ 3124 ng/mL, CRP ≥ 17.2 mg/dL and IL-6 ≥ 102 pg/mL. Univariable analysis by Cox proportional hazards regression modelling showed that norepinephrine, IL-6 and CRP had the highest risk of acute mortality. Multivariable analysis showed that only norepinephrine and IL-6 retained in the model. Marked increase of serum catecholamine levels is present during acute phase of critically ill COVID-19 and it is associated with inflammatory and clinical parameters.

Thyroid storm and hypercalcemic crisis as a result of unconventional treatment of Graves’ disease

We present a case of severe thyroid storm with simultaneous hypercalcemic crisis resulting from excessive intake of 5% Lugol’s iodine solution (5% iodine, 15% potassium iodide, 85% water; 10 drops/day) and vitamin D3 (10000 IU/day) during 2 months of unconventional treatment in a 78-year-old female with a history of hyperthyroidism in course of Graves’ disease. Supplements were prescribed by herbalist/healer before admission to the hospital. At the clinic, we started  therapy with antithyroid drugs, inorganic iodide and corticosteroids but without positive effect. Patient’s condition kept deteriorating with loss of consciousness. Plasmapheresis (4 procedures) was required to successfully reduce thyroid hormone levels and finally total thyroidectomy was performed resulting in postoperative hypothyroidism and transient hypoparathyroidism. Additionally, patient suffered from serious complications such as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and sepsis requiring intensive care unit. Treatment with corticosteroids led to secondary adrenal insufficiency. Following 2-month hospitalization, patient was discharged in stable condition.

In-Hospital Heart Failure in Patients With Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Due to Coronary Artery Disease: An Artificial Intelligence and Optical Coherence Tomography Study

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is often associated with symptoms of heart failure (HF) during the acute phase of the disease. 3-dimensional optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be used to assess the extent of angiographically silent underlying coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aims to use an artificial intelligence algorithm to analyze OCT findings and to determine whether the presence of pre-existing CAD predisposes TTS patients to present HF at admission.

METHODS

This is an observational and retrospective study that enrolled TTS patients who underwent coronary angiography and OCT examination of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Plaque characterization was automatically analyzed via an artificial intelligence model from OCT images. An angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (IMRangio) using the optic flow ratio (OFR) was calculated to assess its correlation with plaque volumes.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients were included (94.6 % women) with a median age of 82.0 years. Ten patients (27 %) showed some degree of HF at admission. Sixty-seven coronary non-obstructive plaques were analyzed. Tissue compositional analysis showed that patients with HF had an increased overall plaque volume (79.0 mm³ vs 28.6 mm³; p = 0.011) and longer plaque lesion length (12.8 mm vs 7.2 mm; p = 0.006). Patients with HF also showed an increased percentage of lipidic and calcified plaque tissue (26.4 % vs 13.4 %; p = 0.019 and 4.5 % vs 0.0 %; p = 0.001, respectively). A moderate positive correlation was found between global overall plaque volume and IMRangio.

CONCLUSION

Increased overall plaque volume was associated with the development of HF during the acute phase of TTS, suggesting that the presence of angiographically silent underlying CAD may play a prognostic role in these patients.

Takotsubo Syndrome and Sudden Cardiac Death

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, occurring most commonly in post-menopausal women, presents as an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI). Cardiovascular complications occur in almost half the patients with TTS, and the inpatient mortality is comparable to MI (4-5%) owing to cardiogenic shock, myocardial rupture, or life-threatening arrhythmias. Thus, its prognosis is not as benign as previously thought, as it may cause mechanical complications (cardiac rupture) and potentially lethal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Similar to MI, some patients may perish before reaching the hospital due to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; this may lead to underestimation of the actual SCD risk. Furthermore, after discharge, some patients may develop late SCD and/or TTS recurrence that may result in SCD. There are risk factors for SCD in TTS patients, such as severe/persistent QT-interval prolongation inciting torsade-de-pointes, other ECG abnormalities (diffuse giant negative T-waves, widened QRS-complex), bradyarrhythmias, comorbidities, concurrent obstructive coronary artery disease or vasospasm, male gender, older age, severe left ventricular dysfunction, and use of sympathomimetic drugs. All these issues are herein reviewed, case reports/series and data from large cohort studies and meta-analyses are analyzed, risk factors are tabulated, and proarrhythmic effects and management strategies are discussed and pictorially illustrated.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke and Systemic Embolism Prevention in Patients with Left Ventricular Thrombus

In recent years, direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) have accumulated evidence of efficacy and safety in various clinical scenarios and are approved for a wide spectrum of indications. Still, they are currently used off-label for left ventricular thrombus owing to a paucity of evidence. For the same reason, there is a lack of guideline indication as well. Our work is based on an exhaustive analysis of the available literature and provides a structured and detailed update on the use of DOACs in patients with left ventricle thrombus. The safety and efficacy of DOACs were analyzed in particular clinical scenarios. As far as we know, this is the first paper that analyzes DOACs in this approach.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and COVID-19: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient regional ventricular abnormalities in the absence of coronary artery disease and is reported as a complication of COVID-19.

CASE PRESENTATION

It can have a diverse clinical presentation, occasionally resembling an acute coronary syndrome, and progress to acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock, adversely affecting patients' prognosis. A high index of suspicion and a thorough diagnostic approach supported by ancillary studies like echocardiography and coronary angiography is key for an accurate diagnosis and correct medical treatment. Herein, we report a patient with severe COVID-19 who developed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSION

We also present a detailed literature review regarding the relationship between COVID-19 and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Takotsubo Syndrome and Complete Heart Block: A Diagnostic and Management Conundrum

There is increasing evidence that Takotsubo cardiomyopathy behaves more like a highly variable and dangerous syndrome than an isolated cardiomyopathy. In this case report, we describe a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy complicated by complete heart block. We discuss the potential mechanisms for its etiology and examine the need for pacemaker placement.

Clinical characteristics of takotsubo syndrome: a series of cases

INTRODUCTION

takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a recently recognized entity that resembles an acute coronary syndrome. Its epidemiology has been studied in various populations around the world. The most frequent trigger is an emotional stressful event.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical characteristics of a series of cases with TTS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out. The variables of age, gender, clinical characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, triggering factors, biomarkers, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and angiographic findings in the clinical records of a group of cases of patients with TTS were evaluated.

RESULTS

19 cases of TTS were included. There were 16 women and 3 men, the average age was 62 ± 14 years; the main cardiovascular risk factor was sedentary lifestyle in 13 cases. The emotional trigger was present in most cases. The most frequent symptom was chest pain, eight cases presented data of shoCKP and heart failure. The most common variant by echocardiography was apical ballooning in 79%, as well as by ventriculography. The most common complication was cardiogenic shoCKP.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical characteristics of our population are like those previously described in the literature. TTS is a transient and reversible cardiomyopathy with a good prognosis.

Cardiogenic shock due to reverse takotsubo syndrome triggered by multiple sclerosis brainstem lesions: a case report and mini review

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is mainly characterized by chest pain, left ventricular dysfunction, ST-segment deviation on electrocardiogram (ECG) and elevated troponins in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Diagnostic features include left ventricular systolic dysfunction shown on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with wall motion abnormalities, generally with the typical "apical ballooning" pattern. In very rare cases, it involves a reverse form which is characterized by basal and mid-ventricular severe hypokinesia or akinesia, and sparing of the apex. TTS is known to be triggered by emotional or physical stressors. Recently, multiple sclerosis (MS) has been described as a potential trigger of TTS, especially when lesions are located in the brainstem.

Case summary

We herein report the case of a 26-year-old woman who developed cardiogenic shock due to reverse TTS in the setting of MS. After being admitted for suspected MS, the patient presented with rapidly deteriorating clinical condition, with acute pulmonary oedema and hemodynamic collapse, requiring mechanical ventilation and aminergic support. TTE found a severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 20%, consistent with reverse TTS (basal and mid ventricular akinesia, apical hyperkinesia). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed 4 days later showed myocardial oedema in the mid and basal segments on T2-weighted imaging, with partial recovery of LVEF (46%), confirmed the diagnosis of TTS. In the meantime, the suspicion of MS was also confirmed, based on cerebral MRI and cerebral spinal fluid analyses, with a final diagnosis of reverse TTS induced by MS. High-dose intravenous corticotherapy was initiated. Subsequent evolution was marked by rapid clinical improvement, as well as normalization of LVEF and segmental wall-motion abnormalities.

Conclusion

Our case is an example of the brain-heart relationship: it shows how neurologic inflammatory diseases can trigger a cardiogenic shock due to TTS, with potentially serious outcomes. It sheds light on the reverse form, which, although rare, has already been described in the setting of acute neurologic disorders. Only a handful of case reports have highlighted MS as a trigger of reverse TTS. Finally, through an updated systematic review, we highlight the unique features of patients with reversed TTS triggered by MS.

Broken Heart Syndrome: Evolving Molecular Mechanisms and Principles of Management

Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as Takotsubo Syndrome (TS), is sudden and transient dysfunction of the left and/or right ventricle which often mimics Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Japan was the first country to describe this syndrome in the 1990s, and since then it has received a lot of attention from researchers all around the world. Although TS was once thought to be a harmless condition, recent evidence suggests that it may be linked to serious complications and mortality on par with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). The understanding of TS has evolved over the past few years. However, its exact etiology is still poorly understood. It can be classified into two main types: Primary and Secondary TS. Primary TS occurs when the symptoms of myocardial damage, which is typically preceded by emotional stress, are the reason for hospitalization. Secondary TS is seen in patients hospitalized for some other medical, surgical, obstetric, anesthetic, or psychiatric conditions, and the dysfunction develops as a secondary complication due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of catecholamines. The etiopathogenesis is now proposed to include adrenergic hormones/stress, decreased estrogen levels, altered microcirculation, endothelial dysfunction, altered inflammatory response via cardiac macrophages, and disturbances in the brain-heart axis. The role of genetics in disease progression is becoming the focus of several upcoming studies. This review focuses on potential pathophysiological mechanisms for reversible myocardial dysfunction observed in TS, and comprehensively describes its epidemiology, clinical presentation, novel diagnostic biomarkers, and evolving principles of management. We advocate for more research into molecular mechanisms and promote the application of current evidence for precise individualized treatment.

Unraveling Pathophysiology of Takotsubo Syndrome: The Emerging Role of the Oxidative Stress's Systemic Status

Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) is usually triggered by emotional or physical stressors, thus suggesting that an increased sympathetic activity, leading to myocardial perfusion abnormalities and ventricular dysfunction, plays a major pathogenetic role. However, it remains to be elucidated why severe emotional and physical stress might trigger TTS in certain individuals but not others. Clinical research has been focused mainly on mechanisms underlying the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the occurrence of myocardial ischemia in TTS. However, scientific evidence shows that additional factors might play a pathophysiologic role in the condition's occurrence. In this regard, a significant contribution arrived from metabolomics studies that followed the systemic response to TTS. Specifically, preliminary data clearly show that there is an interplay between inflammation, genetics, and oxidative status which might explain susceptibility to the condition. This review aims to sum up the established pathogenetic factors underlying TTS and to appraise emerging mechanisms, with particular emphasis on oxidative status, which might better explain susceptibility to the condition.

Prognostic value of the Tpeak-Tend interval for in-hospital subacute ventricular arrhythmias in tako-tsubo syndrome

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The clinical value of electrocardiogram (ECG) repolarization parameters associated with ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in tako-tsubo syndrome is still under debate. We aimed to evaluate ECG predictors of subacute VAs, defined as those occurring after the first 48hours from admission.

METHODS

This single-center observational study enrolled patients admitted to the cardiology department between 2012 and 2018 with a confirmed diagnosis of tako-tsubo syndrome. Data collection included a 12-lead ECG on admission and at 48hours, continuous telemetry monitoring, blood testing, transthoracic echocardiography, and coronary angiography during hospitalization. VAs events were defined as: premature ventricular contractions ≥ 2000 within a 24-hour window of telemetry monitoring, ventricular fibrillation, sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), polymorphic VT, and non-sustained VT.

RESULTS

A total of 87 patients (age 72±12 years) were enrolled. During a median of 8 days of hospitalization, subacute VAs were documented in 22 patients (25%) after a median of 91hours from admission. Subacute VAs were associated with an increase in mortality during hospitalization (P=.030). The corrected global (mean of the 12-lead ECG values) Tpeak-Tend interval at 48hours from admission was an independent predictor of subacute VAs and was statistically superior to the standard corrected QT interval (Z test, P=.040). A cut-off of 108 msec for the corrected global Tpeak-Tend yielded a 71% sensitivity and 72% specificity for subacute VAs.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with tako-tsubo syndrome, subacute VAs are associated with repolarization alterations that can be identified on conventional ECG using the Tpeak-Tend interval.

The association between Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and thyrotoxicosis: A systematic review

PURPOSE

This study aims to review all published cases on the association between thyrotoxicosis and Takutsubo Syndrome by describing clinical characteristics, diagnostic work-up, treatment, and outcome.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Embase databases from inception to the 17th of February 2022 for case reports or series reporting the above-mentioned association. We extracted data on demographic characteristics, clinical features, diagnostic work-up, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Cases were stratified into groups based on the presumed cause of the thyrotoxicosis (iatrogenic vs non-iatrogenic and Graves' diseases vs non-Graves' disease, respectively).

RESULTS

We identified 25 cases from 24 articles. The mean age was 61.7 years (+/- SD 14.5). Most patients were women (88%). Graves' disease (52%) was the leading cause of thyrotoxicosis. Previous cancer was significantly more common in patients with iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis (P = 0.03). The most common symptoms were respiratory symptoms (68%), chest pain (56%), and palpitations (40%). The most common ECG characteristics were T-wave abnormalities (48%) and ST-elevations (36%). Elevated troponin levels were found in 92% of the cases. Patients with Graves's disease and Takutsubo Syndrome had higher plasma levels of serum thyroxine (P = 0.03) and were more often treated with beta-blockers (P = 0.01) compared to patients with thyrotoxicosis of other origins. Notably, 40% of cases experienced in-hospital complications. No deaths were reported. All patients had improved cardiac function within a median follow-up of 42 days.

CONCLUSION

Evidence-based on current case reports suggests an increased risk of Takutsubo Syndrome and subsequently increased risk of in-hospital complications in patients with thyrotoxicosis.

Ischemia and no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA): A narrative review

Myocardial ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) is a chronic coronary syndrome condition that is increasingly being recognized as a substantial contributor to adverse cardiovascular mortality and outcomes, including myocardial infarction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). While INOCA occurs in both women and men, women are more likely to have the finding of INOCA and are more adversely impacted by angina, with recurrent hospitalizations and a lower quality of life with this condition. Abnormal epicardial coronary vascular function and coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) have been identified in a majority of INOCA patients on invasive coronary function testing. CMD can co-exist with obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease (CAD), diffuse non-obstructive epicardial CAD, and with coronary vasospasm. Epicardial vasospasm can also occur with normal coronary arteries that have no atherosclerotic plaque on intravascular imaging. While all predisposing factors are not clearly understood, cardiometabolic risk factors, and endothelium dependent and independent mechanisms that increase oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with microvascular injury, CMD and INOCA. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction has also been implicated in abnormal vasoreactivity and persistent symptoms. INOCA is under-recognized and under-diagnosed, partly due to the heterogenous patient populations and mechanisms. However, diagnostic testing methods are available to guide INOCA management. Treatment of INOCA is evolving, and focuses on cardiac risk factor control, improving ischemia, reducing atherosclerosis progression, and improving angina and quality of life. This review focuses on INOCA, relations to HFpEF, available diagnostics, current and investigational therapeutic strategies, and knowledge gaps in this condition.

Neurogenic Stunned Myocardium as Part of Stress Cardiomyopathy

Stress cardiomyopathy (SCM), also called Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), is a topic of current interest that extends beyond cardiology. The neurological framework currently includes neurogenic stunned myocardium (NSM), an abnormal condition that shares many common features with TTS. Unlike TTS, the main triggers for NSM are mostly neurological events (e.g., acute stroke, subarachnoid haemorrhage [SAH], brain trauma, etc) inducing adrenergic hyperstimulation and ultimately myocardial stunning. Clinical examination, echocardiogram, electrocardiography, and cardiac markers share many similarities and differences between TTS and NSM. The common feature of the two conditions is their shared pathophysiological mechanisms, which ultimately lead to hypercatecholaminaemia and myocardial stunning. Takotsubo syndrome and NSM can be seen as two phenotypes of SCM. Treatment of SCM is based on pathophysiological data and differs according to the risk level: low or high. The course of the disease is not always favourable; for TTS, the immediate prognosis is like that of acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Emotional Stress Induced Broken Heart Syndrome: A Case Report

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a medical condition mostly due to emotional or physical stress which frequently leads to misdiagnosis or late diagnosis. Patients tend to present initially with acute heart failure or acute coronary syndrome to our emergency department. Here we describe a patient with no history of cardiovascular disease, who developed TTS due to emotional stress from the death of her husband and then fully recovered during follow-up.

Takotsubo Syndrome after Pacemaker Implantation: A Systematic Review

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute cardiac condition characterized by a temporary wall motion abnormality of the left ventricle that mimics an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). TTS usually occurs following emotional or physical triggering event. More recently, sporadic cases of TTS arising after pacemaker implantation were reported.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the available literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge about pacemaker implantation-induced TTS.

Results

The articles selected included case reports and one registry on 28 patients. Most cases occurred in women (75%), encompassing a broad age range. The mean age of the cases described was 74 years. Full recovery of cardiac function was reported in most cases (92.3%), with largely varying recovery times, on average 7 weeks. The most common comorbidity was arterial hypertension and the average ejection fraction at admission was approximately 62%. Clinical severity ranges from asymptomatic cases to severe clinical heart failure syndrome. Altogether the case fatality rate was 3.6%.

Conclusions

For rare it might be, awareness about the potential to develop TTS after pacemaker implantation should prompt careful clinical monitoring, with daily electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring and at least one echocardiographic examination prior to patients' discharge to allow early diagnosis and minimize the clinical risk.

Evaluation and management of cancer patients presenting with acute cardiovascular disease: a Clinical Consensus Statement of the Acute CardioVascular Care Association (ACVC) and the ESC council of Cardio-Oncology—part 2: acute heart failure, acute myocardial diseases, acute venous thromboembolic diseases, and acute arrhythmias

Advances in treatment, common cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and the ageing of the population have led to an increasing number of cancer patients presenting with acute CV diseases. These events may be related to cancer itself or cancer treatment. Acute cardiac care specialists must be aware of these acute CV complications and be able to manage them. This may require an individualized and multidisciplinary approach. The management of acute coronary syndromes and acute pericardial diseases in cancer patients was covered in part 1 of a clinical consensus document. This second part focusses on acute heart failure, acute myocardial diseases, venous thromboembolic diseases and acute arrhythmias.