Takotsubo syndrome: aetiology, presentation and treatment

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease: value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for diagnostic confirmation: a case report

Background

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a reversible acute cardiac disease that mimics acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In patients with a history of an old myocardial infarction who develop TCM, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is the first-line non-invasive diagnostic tool for clearly discriminating between AMI and TCM.

Case summary

A 65-year-old woman who suffered a myocardial infarction in 2012, was admitted to undergo sigmoid colon tumour surgery in January 2017. Soon after surgery, she developed angina associated with ST-segment elevation, as shown by electrocardiography and increased cardiac enzyme levels. Acute coronary syndrome was diagnosed. She had a good clinical response to treatment with intravenous nitroglycerine, opioids, clopidogrel, aspirin, bisoprolol, and atorvastatin. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed anteroseptal and apical left ventricular akinesia with balloon-like dilatation, akinesia of the inferior wall and inferior interventricular septum, and global systolic dysfunction. Coronary angiography did not identify coronary artery lesions, and a tentative diagnosis of TCM was made. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the segmental contraction abnormalities seen in the TTE and identified myocardial oedema without delayed hyperenhancement after gadolinium administration, which confirmed the diagnosis of TCM and ruled out acute ischaemic damage. She was discharged when asymptomatic. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 2 months showed disappearance of the anteroseptal and apical contraction abnormality, regression of myocardial oedema and normalization of global left ventricular systolic function.

Discussion

This case confirms that CMRI is a non-invasive diagnostic method for accurately differentiating between AMI and TCM in patients with a prior myocardial infarction. cardiac magnetic resonance imaging should be incorporated as a diagnostic criterion for TCM.

A case of esophagogastroduodenoscopy induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy with complete heart block

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) describes a reversible left ventricular dysfunction characterized by apical ballooning and basal hyperkinesis, commonly triggered by emotional or physical distress. TC associated with an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) has rarely been reported. We report a case of TC with complete heart block (CHB) in a patient receiving an EGD, who had no underlying cardiac disease, had previously tolerated both local and general anesthesia, and who had previously undergone similar endoscopic procedures without complications. The concurrence of both TC and CHB is unique in this case pertaining to a patient with no significant risk factors. The incidence, mechanism and prognosis of TC-associated arrhythmias are also reviewed.

Frequently Recurrent Takotsubo Syndrome in COPD

Cardiovascular disease is common among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a transient cardiac disorder that, in its typical form, involves left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning and mimics acute coronary syndrome (ACS). “Bronchogenic TTS” has been proposed as a specific form of TTS (during severe acute dyspnea in asthma or COPD) with atypical presentation. Recurrent TTS in COPD seems to be exceptionally rare since only a handful of clinical cases have previously been reported in the literature. Here, we present a unique case of a frequently recurrent TTS during COPD exacerbation in a 70-year-old woman, with at least 4 different episodes of TTS within 5 years. This case report exemplifies the difficulties of the diagnosis of TTS at the onset of acute COPD exacerbation. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies are also briefly discussed.

Misconceptions and Facts About Takotsubo Syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome, initially described in the 1990s by Sato, has been increasingly recognized around the world. Pathophysiology is directed towards central role of catecholamine surge , but other aspects like microvascular endothelial dysfunction and vasospasm have also been described. Dyspnea and chest pain are most common manifestations, but syncope can also be seen. Right ventricular involvement is not uncommon, and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is a frequent complication. EKG can differentiate between Takotsubo syndrome and myocardial infarction, but coronary angiography should always be performed. Although treatment has been angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and betablockers, recent evidence from nonrandomized studies shows no benefit on betablockers regarding outcomes.

Heterogeneity of clinical presentation in Tako-Tsubo syndromes: the prevalence of normal segmental wall motion and normal ECG pattern

AIM

The aim of this study is to report the heterogeneity of clinical presentation in Tako-Tsubo syndrome (TTS), including a significant prevalence of normal ECG and echocardiographic patterns in a series of consecutive patients from a single center.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From our database we selected a total of 168 cases of TTS. A total of 140 of these (Group A); 14 men (10%), mean age 60.3 years, range 39-87; 126 women (90%), mean age 66.1 years, range 43-93; matched the following reported criteria: typical stenocardic pain immediately following an emotional acute stress, or acute medical or surgical event within the preceding 12 h; acute rise and fall of troponin release; absence of significant coronary disease at coronary angiography. ECG findings at presentation ranged from T wave abnormalities (41 cases, 29.3%) to ST elevation (52 cases, 37.1%) and ST depression (11 cases, 7.9%), whereas in 36 cases (25.7%) the ECG was normal. Echocardiography at presentation showed akinesia of the total apical or medium-apical segments in 74 patients (53%), whereas it showed akinesia of left ventricular wall segments in other locations in 30 patients (21%) and even normal regional wall motion and thickening in 36 patients (26%). We described also a series of 13 female patients (mean age 70.2 years; age range 45-85 years) (Group B) who did not complain of chest pain at presentation, but showed a classical Tako-Tsubo evolution of wall motion abnormalities at echocardiography. Finally we selected 15 female patients (mean age 69.3 years; age range 49-89 years) (Group C) who formally did not report acute stress immediately preceding their presentation to the hospital for chest pain. They showed a classical Tako-Tsubo evolution of wall motion abnormalities at echocardiography and only one case of normal ECG pattern at presentation.

CONCLUSION

In this series of acute TTS, a wide variability of ECG and echocardiographic patterns are observed, ranging from ST elevation with coexisting segmental wall motion abnormalities of the typical TTS to a clinical presentation characterized by normal ECG and normal segmental wall motion pattern.

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

The clinical expert consensus statement on takotsubo syndrome (TTS) part II focuses on the diagnostic workup, outcome, and management. The recommendations are based on interpretation of the limited clinical trial data currently available and experience of international TTS experts. It summarizes the diagnostic approach, which may facilitate correct and timely diagnosis. Furthermore, the document covers areas where controversies still exist in risk stratification and management of TTS. Based on available data the document provides recommendations on optimal care of such patients for practising physicians.