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

COVID-19: A double threat to takotsubo cardiomyopathy and spontaneous coronary artery dissection?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic that has affected millions of individuals worldwide. Prior studies suggest that COVID-19 may be associated with an increased risk for various cardiovascular disorders, such as myocardial injury, arrhythmia, acute coronary syndrome, and venous thromboembolism. Early reports of non-COVID-19 patients have described the concurrence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). However, the interplay between COVID-19, TTC and SCAD has not been well established. We herein propose two sets of two-hit hypotheses for the development of SCAD and TTC in the context of COVID-19. The first two-hit hypothesis explains the development of SCAD, in which TTC-associated formation of vulnerable coronary substrate serves as the first hit (predisposing factor), and COVID-19-associated inflammation and vascular disruption serves as the second hit (precipitating factor). The second two-hit hypothesis is proposed to explain the development of TTC, in which SCAD-associated formation of vulnerable myocardial substrate serves as the first hit, and COVID-19-associated sympathetic overactivity serves as the second hit. Under this conceptual framework, COVID-19 poses a double threat for the development of SCAD (among patients with underlying TTC) as well as TTC (among patients with underlying SCAD), thereby forming a reciprocal causation. This hypothesis provides a rationale for the joint assessment of TTC and SCAD in COVID-19 patients with pertinent cardiovascular manifestations.

SCMR Position Paper (2020) on clinical indications for cardiovascular magnetic resonance

The Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) last published its comprehensive expert panel report of clinical indications for CMR in 2004. This new Consensus Panel report brings those indications up to date for 2020 and includes the very substantial increase in scanning techniques, clinical applicability and adoption of CMR worldwide. We have used a nearly identical grading system for indications as in 2004 to ensure comparability with the previous report but have added the presence of randomized controlled trials as evidence for level 1 indications. In addition to the text, tables of the consensus indication levels are included for rapid assimilation and illustrative figures of some key techniques are provided.

Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture in Broken-Heart Syndrome: A Fatal Complication

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is usually a transient condition and is treated conservatively. It is rarely associated with ventricular free wall rupture, a fatal complication of the disease described in this report. Cardiothoracic surgery performed emergent ventricular wall repair; however, treatment was unsuccessful, and the patient expired.

Cardiovascular disease in women: Executive summary of the expert panel statement of women in cardiology of the hellenic cardiological society

The perception that women represent a low-risk population for cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) needs to be reconsidered. Starting from risk factors, women are more likely to be susceptible to unhealthy behaviors and risk factors that have different impact on CV morbidity and mortality as compared to men. Despite the large body of evidence as regards the effect of lifestyle factors on the CVD onset, the gender-specific effect of traditional and non-traditional risk factors on the prognosis of patients with already established CVD has not been well investigated and understood. Furthermore, CVD in women is often misdiagnosed, underestimated, and undertreated. Women also experience hormonal changes from adolescence till elder life that affect CV physiology. Unfortunately, in most of the clinical trials women are underrepresented, leading to the limited knowledge of CV and systemic impact effects of several treatment modalities on women's health. Thus, in this consensus, a group of female cardiologists from the Hellenic Society of Cardiology presents the special features of CVD in women: the different needs in primary and secondary prevention, as well as therapeutic strategies that may be implemented in daily clinical practice to eliminate underestimation and undertreatment of CVD in the female population.

Effectiveness of Levosimendan in an 84-Year-Old Patient with Takotsubo Syndrome Complicated by Acute Heart Failure

BACKGROUND Although takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is usually mild, severe complications such as acute heart failure may occur in the acute phase. Because of the etiology of TTS, typical catecholamines are not recommended; the use of inotropic drugs with a different mechanism of action is recommended, mainly levosimendan. CASE REPORT An 84-year-old patient with cardiovascular risk factors, hospitalized in a city hospital because of exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), was transferred to the clinic with suspected myocardial infarction. At the time of admission, the patient was hemodynamically stable. The coronarography indicated insignificant atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries. The echocardiography revealed apical akinesis and hypokinesis of the apical and middle left ventricular segments (LV). The ejection fraction (EF) was 40%. TTS was diagnosed. After 12 h of hospitalization, the patient developed symptoms of acute heart failure, with deterioration of the LV systolic function (EF 30%). Levosimendan was included in the treatment, which led to an increased blood pressure and clinical improvement after several hours. Over the next few days, the patient's condition improved and he was transferred to the referral center, from which he was discharged to home. CONCLUSIONS In patients with COPD, exacerbation of the disease may be a trigger for TTS. In acute heart failure complicating TTS, administration of levosimendan improves the clinical condition of patients.

Alarmingly Rising Trends in Venous Thromboembolic Events and Respiratory Failure in Takotsubo Syndrome-Related Hospitalizations in the United States

Background There is very scarce data about the shifting landscape of complications like venous thromboembolic events (VTE) and respiratory failure in Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). We have assessed the rates and trends of these complications in (TTS)-related hospitalizations. Methods The National Inpatient Sample (2007-2014) was queried to identify adult hospitalizations for TTS and subsequent VTE and respiratory failure using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) codes. Trends were assessed using discharge weights and the linear-by-linear association test for the overall cohort and subgroups based on age, sex, and race. Results Of 156,506 admissions for TTS from 2007-2014, 3.5% (N=5,550) of admissions revealed VTE whereas 17.4% (N=27,252) of admissions revealed respiratory failure. There were significantly rising trends in VTE (from 2.2% to 4.2%) and respiratory failure (10% to 20.7%) with TTS (p<0.05) from 2007-2014. On subgroup analysis, all subgroups showed rising trends in VTE and respiratory failure. However, young (18-44 years), male patients admitted with TTS demonstrated a greater surge in VTE as compared to other groups. In contrast, the frequency of respiratory failure rose more significantly in young, male, non-white TTS patients compared to older, female and white TTS patients. Conclusion There were alarming trends in the VTE and respiratory failure despite the improved understanding of TTS etiopathogenesis and advanced diagnostic modalities among TTS-related admissions, mostly comprising of young, male, and non-white patients. Introduction.

Update of takotsubo syndrome in the era of COVID-19

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or takotsubo syndrome (TTS) has become a well-known disease not only in Japan but also in the rest of the world. Early reports suggested that TTS is a self-limiting disease with better prognosis than acute coronary syndrome. However, recent data showed that TTS is not a benign disease as compared with acute coronary syndrome. In addition to the apical ballooning, several other types of wall motion abnormalities have been classified as variants of TTS. In particular, right ventricular involvement, or biventricular TTS, is not uncommon and is associated with poor in-hospital as well as long-term outcomes. With respect to the pathophysiology, modulation (desensitization) of the beta-adrenergic receptor is suspected as a possible mechanism for transiently depressed myocardial contraction. Although specific treatments to improve prognosis of TTS are still uncertain, observational data suggest favorable impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers. Finally, in the era of COVID-19, we should pay attention to a variety of cardiovascular conditions related to COVID-19. TTS is one of these conditions that can be triggered by both emotional and physical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cardiac arrest in takotsubo syndrome: results from the InterTAK Registry

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the frequency, clinical features, and prognostic implications of cardiac arrest (CA) in takotsubo syndrome (TTS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We reviewed the records of patients with CA and known heart rhythm from the International Takotsubo Registry. The main outcomes were 60-day and 5-year mortality. In addition, predictors of mortality and predictors of CA during the acute TTS phase were assessed. Of 2098 patients, 103 patients with CA and known heart rhythm during CA were included. Compared with patients without CA, CA patients were more likely to be younger, male, and have apical TTS, atrial fibrillation (AF), neurologic comorbidities, physical triggers, and longer corrected QT-interval and lower left ventricular ejection fraction on admission. In all, 57.1% of patients with CA at admission had ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia, while 73.7% of patients with CA in the acute phase had asystole/pulseless electrical activity. Patients with CA showed higher 60-day (40.3% vs. 4.0%, P < 0.001) and 5-year mortality (68.9% vs. 16.7%, P < 0.001) than patients without CA. T-wave inversion and intracranial haemorrhage were independently associated with higher 60-day mortality after CA, whereas female gender was associated with lower 60-day mortality. In the acute phase, CA occurred less frequently in females and more frequently in patients with AF, ST-segment elevation, and higher C-reactive protein on admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac arrest is relatively frequent in TTS and is associated with higher short- and long-term mortality. Clinical and electrocardiographic parameters independently predicted mortality after CA.

Comparison of Complications and In-Hospital Mortality in Takotsubo (Apical Ballooning/Stress) Cardiomyopathy Versus Acute Myocardial Infarction

There are limited data on the incidence of complications and in-hospital outcomes, in patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), as compared with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). From 2007 to 2014, a retrospective cohort of TC was compared with AMI using the National Inpatient Sample database. Complications were classified as acute heart failure, ventricular arrhythmic, cardiac arrest, high-grade atrioventricular block, mechanical, vascular/access, pericardial, stroke, and acute kidney injury. Temporal trends, clinical characteristics, and in-hospital outcomes were compared. During the 8-year period, 3,329,876 admissions for AMI or TC were identified. TC diagnosis was present in 88,849 (2.7%). Compared with AMI admissions, those with TC were older, female, and of white race. Use of pulmonary artery catheter and mechanical ventilation was higher, but hemodialysis lower in TC. The overall frequency of complications was higher in TC (38.2% vs 32.6%). Complication rates increased in both groups over time, but the delta was greater for TC (23% [2007] vs 43% [2014]) compared with AMI (27% vs 36%). The TC cohort had a higher rate of heart failure (29% vs 16.6%) and strokes (0.5% vs 0.2%), but lower rates of other complications (all p <0.001). In-hospital mortality was lower for TC (2.6% vs 3.1%; p <0.001). TC was an independent predictor of lower in-hospital mortality in admissions with complications. In conclusion, compared with AMI, TC is associated with greater likelihood of heart failure, but lower rates of other complications and mortality. There has been a temporal increase in the rates of in-hospital complications and mortality due to TC.

Prognostic relevance of GRACE risk score in Takotsubo syndrome

Background:

Takotsubo syndrome is an increasingly recognised cardiac condition that clinically mimics an acute coronary syndrome, but data regarding its prognosis remain controversial. It is currently unknown whether acute coronary syndrome risk scores could effectively be applied to Takotsubo syndrome patients. This study aims to assess whether the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score can predict clinical outcome in Takotsubo syndrome and to compare the prognosis with matched acute coronary syndrome patients.

Methods:

A total of 561 Takotsubo syndrome patients was included in this prospective registry. According to the GRACE score, the population was divided into quartiles. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoints were cardiocerebrovascular events (a composite of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, recurrence of Takotsubo syndrome and stroke).

Results:

The median GRACE risk score was 139±27. Takotsubo syndrome patients with a higher GRACE risk score mostly have a higher rate of physical triggers and lower left ventricular ejection fraction on admission. During long-term follow-up, all-cause mortality rates were 5%, 11%, 12% and 22%, respectively, in the first, second, third and fourth quartile (P&lt;0.001). After multivariate analysis, the GRACE risk score was found to be a strong predictor of all-cause mortality (odds ratio (OR) 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–2.20; P=0.001) and cardiocerebrovascular events (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.26–2.11; P=0.001). Moreover, all-cause mortality in Takotsubo syndrome patients was comparable with the matched acute coronary syndrome cohort.

Conclusion:

In Takotsubo syndrome, the GRACE risk score allows us to predict all-cause mortality and cardiocerebrovascular events at long-term follow-up.

Clinical outcomes of patients presenting with spontaneous coronary artery dissection versus takotsubo syndrome: a propensity score analysis

Background:

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection and takotsubo syndrome are non-atherosclerotic causes of acute coronary syndromes. They share clinical features including female predominance and frequent triggers. We compared the outcomes of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection and patients with takotsubo syndrome with similar clinical characteristics.

Methods:

Patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (n=81) or takotsubo syndrome (n=341) were 1:1 propensity matched according to age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and clinical presentation. We compared baseline characteristics, effects on left ventricular function, and recurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events; defined as a composite of new hospitalisation for cardiac cause, clinical recurrence (spontaneous coronary artery dissection/takotsubo syndrome), myocardial infarction and death.

Results:

Propensity score yielded 78 pairs: 85% were women, whose average age was 55.3±12.6 years, 28% had two or more cardiovascular risk factors, 37% presented with ST-segment elevation and 5% presented with cardiogenic shock. In the spontaneous coronary artery dissection group, 50% (39/78) of cases involved the left anterior descending artery and 18% (14/78) underwent revascularisation. After a median follow-up of 5 years (interquartile range 2.4–5), major adverse cardiovascular events were significantly higher in the spontaneous coronary artery dissection group (18% (14/78) vs. 8% (6/78); hazard ratio 3.40, 95% confidence interval 1.2–9.4). This was mainly driven by early readmissions for cardiac causes (17% vs. 5%, P=0.007). Spontaneous coronary artery dissection was associated with higher peak values of creatinine kinase during admission (creatinine kinase/upper limit of normality 2.49 vs. 1.21, P&lt;0.001). Binary left ventricular systolic dysfunction was more prevalent in the takotsubo syndrome group (22% vs. 53%, P&lt;0.001), but no significant differences were noted at follow-up (6% vs. 1%, P=0.181).

Conclusions:

In this cohort of middle-aged predominantly female patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes, the diagnosis of spontaneous coronary artery dissection compared to takotsubo syndrome conferred a worse long-term clinical outcome, mainly driven by an increased risk of rehospitalisation for cardiac causes.

Case report: spontaneous coronary artery dissection and suspicion of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a patient presenting with T-wave inversions, severe QTc prolongation, elevated cardiac biomarkers, and apical akinesia

Background

In patients suspected of acute coronary syndrome, but where the coronary angiography (CAG) has shown unobstructed coronary arteries differential diagnoses include spontaneous coronary artery dissection and takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This case report presents a patient with spontaneous coronary artery dissection but diagnostic signs suspicious of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Which leads to a consideration of the co-existence of the diseases.

Case summary

A 57-year-old woman was acutely admitted to the emergency ward with sudden development of chest discomfort, palpitations, and dyspnoea. At hospitalization, the electrocardiography showed T-wave inversions in I, aVL, and V2, and Troponin I was elevated. Initial echocardiography revealed apical akinesia consistent with takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Initially, a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome or takotsubo cardiomyopathy was suspected. The patient was further diagnostically assessed with CAG including optical coherence tomography which showed spontaneous coronary artery dissection in the left anterior descending artery. At follow-up 3 months later, CAG showed a fully healed coronary artery, and repeated echocardiography showed normalization of the left ventricular function.

Discussion

In this case report, initially, acute coronary syndrome was suspected due to electrocardiography with T-wave inversions and elevated cardiac biomarkers. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was suspected when echocardiography showed apical ballooning, but CAG with optical coherence tomography revealed a spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Interestingly no severe obstructions of coronary arteries were seen, and follow-up echocardiography showed fully regained myocardial function. This leads to the debate as to whether this might be a case of co-existing spontaneous coronary artery dissection and takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

A rare manifestation of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy associated with non-tuberculous mycobacterium

Background

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome is a rare cause of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy that produce left ventricular dysfunction with characteristic left ventricular apical ballooning. It rarely caused by infection. We present an atypical manifestation of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection with myocardial involvement and its diagnostic challenge.

Case illustration

A 57-year-old female presented with prolonged fever, fatigue and weight loss for one and half months. General examination was unremarkable with elevated C-Reactive Protein and normal troponin. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed diffuse T wave inversion with prolonged QTc. Echocardiography showed hypokinetic apical with normal ejection fraction. Angiography showed patent coronary arteries. Ventriculography showed apical ballooning. Workup with ethambutol scan revealed active mycobacterial infection in both lung and mesentery. Sputum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for non-tuberculous mycobacterium. Follow up ECG and echocardiography showed improvement in QTc interval and left ventricular wall motion abnormalities.

Results

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy may manifest as asymptomatic ventricular dysfunction following non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection. A thorough investigation will help identify the systemic disease with cardiac involvement which potentially could be fatal.

Conclusion

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may be triggered by infection. Identification of causal is crucial as a management strategy to restore cardiac function.

"Covidsubo": Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy by Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 is a rapidly growing infectious disease that represents an immediate threat for the health of millions of people around the world, both in direct and indirect ways.

CASE PRESENTATION

In the present report we describe the development of stress cardiomyopathy in a patient who was overwhelmingly stressed by watching the news coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Physicians and scientists around the globe should be aware of the psychological consequences of COVID-19 and their potential to cause physical illness.

Association of Acute Pancreatitis and Myocardial Infarction: Is the Heart Victim or Culprit? - A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Acute pancreatitis can be associated with electrical changes mimicking acute coronary syndrome with normal coronary arteries. The association of acute pancreatitis with ST-segment elevation and elevated cardiac enzymes has been reported in few observations. The pathophysiological mechanisms of this association remain poorly understood. We report the case of a 63-year-old woman presenting with chest pain, changes in the electrocardiogram and elevated cardiac enzymes with normal coronary arteries associated with acute pancreatitis. Stress cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo syndrome associated with acute pancreatitis was the most likely diagnosis in our case. Stress cardiomyopathy should be considered a possibility in case of patients with acute pancreatitis who present with clinical signs suggestive of acute coronary syndrome.

[Delayed Takotsubo syndrome - A critical perioperative incident]

INTRODUCTION

The term Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) describes a transient ventricular dysfunction. Symptoms and complication rate are similar to those of a myocardial infarction.

MEDICAL HISTORY

An 81-year-old female patient was admitted for thrombendarterectomy of the left femoral artery. Prior to a recent biological aortic valve replacement, coronary heart disease had been ruled out.

ANESTHETIC INDUCTION AND CLINICAL FINDINGS

After induction of anesthesia, relevant arterial hypotension and sinus bradycardia occurred. After catecholamine administration, transient ST segment elevations were observed, which postoperatively developed a myocardial infarction-like dynamic. Echocardiography and values of cardiac enzymes initially revealed no abnormalities.

THERAPY, COURSE AND DIAGNOSIS

After a symptom-free interval the patient developed severe cardiac decompensation on the third postoperative day. At this point, the clinical picture of TTS was visible. Stabilisation of the clinical condition was achieved with levosimendan therapy.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic ECG changes in the perioperative situation always require differentiated diagnosis and possibly longer monitoring. TTS is a relevant differential diagnosis because it is subject to severe complications.

Reversible exercise-induced left ventricular dysfunction in symptomatic patients with previous Takotsubo syndrome: insights from stress echocardiography

AIMS

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is usually associated with rapid and spontaneous recovery of left ventricular (LV) function. However, a proportion of patients may have persistent symptoms. This study aimed to determine the haemodynamic and LV contractile responses to exercise in these patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty symptomatic TTS patients referred for exercise echocardiography, a median of 15 months following the index TTS episode, were matched with 30 controls with normal exercise echocardiography. Beta-blockers were withheld prior to the test. LV volumes, ejection fraction (EF) and wall motion score index (WMSI), were measured at rest and stress. The TTS cohort were Caucasian women with mean age of 64.6 ± 7.4 years and similar coronary risk factor profile and EF to controls. Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), LV end-diastolic volume, wall stress, and right ventricular fractional area change were higher in TTS patients compared with controls. Stress echo data showed similar exercise time, peak heart rate, and peak SBP in TTS patients vs. controls, but TTS patients had higher LV volumes, lower exercise LVEF (70 ± 10% vs. 78 ± 7%; P = 0.001), ΔLVEF (4 ± 8% vs. 12 ± 5%; P < 0.001), and WMSI (1.4 ± 0.4 vs. 1 ± 0; P < 0.001) compared with controls. Twenty TTS patients had clear exercise-induced wall motion abnormalities, mainly involving the apex or more globally, with a mean ΔLVEF of 1% compared with 12% in controls. Among the other 10 TTS patients, the ΔLVEF was 10%.

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic patients with previous TTS have a blunted contractile response to exercise. The therapeutic and prognostic implications of these findings need further investigation.

Takotsubo syndrome in the same heart before and after heart transplantation

Heart transplantation is an effective therapy for patients with end‐stage heart failure. In some cases, Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) was seen in the donor heart. We report a case of TTS in a 40‐year‐old woman with a history of epileptic seizures who underwent heart transplantation from a donor with TTS. The donor was brain‐dead due to severe hypoxic encephalopathy during cardiac arrest with TTS. Fifteen months after heart transplantation, she was readmitted for epileptic seizures. Electrocardiogram showed T‐wave inversion, and transthoracic echocardiography showed apical ballooning. Coronary angiography was normal, and endomyocardial biopsy was negative for rejection. Iodine‐123 metaiodobenzylguanidine imaging demonstrated a low heart‐to‐mediastinum ratio and high washout rate. Eighteen days after admission, recovery of left ventricular dysfunction was confirmed, and she was diagnosed with TTS triggered by epileptic seizures. It is important to recognize the risk of recurrent TTS in heart transplantation patients from a donor with TTS.

One Patient, Three Variants, Four Episodes of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

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TCM is an increasingly recognized clinical entity.

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Variants include apical, midventricular, basal, and focal.

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The authors present a unique case in which one patient developed three variants.

Altered limbic and autonomic processing supports brain-heart axis in Takotsubo syndrome

Aims

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by acute left ventricular dysfunction often triggered by emotional or physical stress. Severe activation of the sympathetic nervous system with catecholamine release caused by a dysfunctional limbic system has been proposed as a potential mechanism. We hypothesize that brain regions responsible for autonomic integration and/or limbic processing might be involved in the development of TTS. Here, we investigated alterations in resting state functional connectivity in TTS patients compared with healthy controls.

Methods and results

Using brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), resting state functional connectivity has been assessed in 15 subjects with TTS and 39 healthy controls. Network-based statistical analyses were conducted to identify subnetworks with altered resting state functional connectivity. Sympathetic and parasympathetic networks have been constructed in addition to the default mode network and whole-brain network. We found parasympathetic- and sympathetic-associated subnetworks both showing reduced resting state functional connectivity in TTS patients compared with controls. Important brain regions constituting parasympathetic- and sympathetic-associated subnetworks included the amygdala, hippocampus, and insula as well as cingulate, parietal, temporal, and cerebellar regions. Additionally, the default mode network as well as limbic regions in the whole-brain analysis demonstrated reduced resting state functional connectivity in TTS, including the hippocampus, parahippocampal, and medial prefrontal regions.

Conclusion

For the first time, we demonstrate hypoconnectivity of central brain regions associated with autonomic functions and regulation of the limbic system in patients with TTS. These findings suggest that autonomic-limbic integration might play an important role in the pathophysiology and contribute to the understanding of TTS.

Multimodality imaging in takotsubo syndrome: a joint consensus document of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) and the Japanese Society of Echocardiography (JSE)

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a complex and still poorly recognized heart disease with a wide spectrum of possible clinical presentations. Despite its reversibility, it is associated with serious adverse in-hospital events and high complication rates during follow-up. Multimodality imaging is helpful for establishing the diagnosis, guiding therapy, and stratifying prognosis of TTS patients in both the acute and post-acute phase. Echocardiography plays a key role, particularly in the acute care setting, allowing for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function and the identification of the typical apical-midventricular ballooning pattern, as well as the circumferential pattern of wall motion abnormalities. It is also useful in the early detection of complications (i.e. LV outflow tract obstruction, mitral regurgitation, right ventricular involvement, LV thrombi, and pericardial effusion) and monitoring of systolic function recovery. Left ventriculography allows the evaluation of LV function and morphology, identifying the typical TTS patterns when echocardiography is not available or wall motion abnormalities cannot be properly assessed with ultrasound. Cardiac magnetic resonance provides a more comprehensive depiction of cardiac morphology and function and tissue characterization and offers additional value to other imaging modalities for differential diagnosis (myocardial infarction and myocarditis). Coronary computed tomography angiography has a substantial role in the diagnostic workup of patients with acute chest pain and a doubtful TTS diagnosis to rule out other medical conditions. It can be considered as a non-invasive appropriate alternative to coronary angiography in several clinical scenarios. Although the role of nuclear imaging in TTS has not yet been well established, the combination of perfusion and metabolic imaging may provide useful information on myocardial function in both the acute and post-acute phase.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in Dextrocardia with Situs Inversus

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an acute reversible form of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction extending beyond a coronary artery vascular territory usually due to physical or psychological stressors. Dextrocardia with situs inversus is a rare embryologic anomaly whereby the heart and aorta are mirrored on the contralateral side. We describe a case of a 93-year-old female with dextrocardia who presented with chest pain, atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, and transient inferior ST elevation. Coronary angiography demonstrated an eccentric mid right coronary artery (RCA) lesion and apical ballooning consistent with concurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this dual pathology in a patient with dextrocardia, highlighting the procedural and diagnostic complexity in the setting of a rare anatomicvariant.

A Novel Disease Entity in Search of Its Own Identity ― Takotsubo Syndrome. Is It Really “Cardiomyopathy”? ―

Background: The term “takotsubo cardiomyopathy” is commonly used in clinical practice. However, there is conceptual problem with the term “cardiomyopathy” in this context because “cardiomyopathy” implies a primary and chronic myocardial disease of unknown etiology. In this study we reviewed the literature related to takotsubo cardiomyopathy to investigate whether it is appropriate to use the term “cardiomyopathy” for this condition.

Methods and Results: A literature review revealed that this condition was originally described in 1990 in Japan as postischemic myocardial stunning with unique left ventricular apical ballooning and that it gradually gained global attention thereafter. Subsequently, the term “takotsubo cardiomyopathy” was introduced to describe this heart failure phenotype. However, this term has been called into question because several recent studies investigating the mechanism underlying this condition have provided evidence of myocardial ischemia possibly due to microvascular dysfunction. The term “takotsubo syndrome” was suggested to describe this microvascular acute coronary syndrome, which is in agreement with the original description of the condition as myocardial stunning following acute myocardial ischemia.

Conclusions: Based on the accumulating evidence of acute myocardial ischemia due to microvascular dysfunction as the mechanism underlying this condition, in addition to the fact that the term “cardiomyopathy” literally implies a primary and chronic myocardial disease, it is advisable that the term “takotsubo syndrome” is used until the etiology and underlying mechanism of this condition are fully clarified.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Takotsubo Syndrome: Incremental Prognostic Value of Baseline Left Ventricular Systolic Function

Background

We sought to determine (1) long‐term outcomes in patients presenting with documented Takotsubo syndrome (TS), (2) whether left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV‐GLS) provides incremental prognostic value, and (3) prognostic cutoffs of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV‐GLS during an acute TS episode.

Methods and Results

We studied 650 patients with TS (aged 66±14 years, 88% women) who were diagnosed clinically and angiographically between 2006 and 2018. Baseline LVEF and LV‐GLS (using velocity vector imaging) were recorded. The primary end point was all‐cause mortality. TS triggers were unknown (34%), emotional (16%), physical (41%), and neurologic (10%). Mean LVEF and LV‐GLS were 36±10% and −11.6±0.4%; in addition, 94% patients had LVEF <52%, and 80% had apical ballooning. No patient had obstructive coronary artery disease. At a median of 2.2 years (interquartile range, 0.7–4.4), 175 (27%) had died (9% in‐hospital deaths). Multivariate Cox survival analysis revealed that higher age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.35), male sex (HR, 1.75), lower baseline LVEF (HR, 1.02), worse LV‐GLS (HR, 1.04), neurologic trigger (HR, 2.66), and physical trigger (HR, 2.64) were associated with mortality, whereas aspirin (HR, 0.70) and β‐blockers (HR, 0.73) improved survival (all P<0.049). The addition of LVEF and LV‐GLS to clinical markers (age, sex, cardiogenic shock at presentation, and peak troponin I) significantly increased log‐likelihood ratios: clinical (−521.48), clinical plus LVEF (−511.32, P<0.001), and clinical plus LVEF and LV‐GLS (−500.68, P<0.001). On penalized spline analysis, LVEF of 38% and LV‐GLS of −10% were cutoffs below which survival was significantly worse.

Conclusions

Patients with TS with a neurologic or physical trigger had significantly worse survival than those without such a trigger, with baseline LVEF and LV‐GLS providing incremental prognostic value.

Takotsubo syndrome triggered by coronary artery embolism in a patient with chronic atrial fibrillation

Although takotsubo syndrome is defined as a reversible heart failure syndrome with the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease, some cases of concomitant takotsubo syndrome and acute myocardial infarction have been reported. We herein describe the case of a patient with chronic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who was not receiving anticoagulant therapy, who developed takotsubo syndrome triggered by acute myocardial infarction probably due to coronary artery thromboembolism.

<Learning objective: Takotsubo syndrome triggered by acute myocardial infarction rarely occurs. Patients with a broad infarct-area require careful management because of the development of adverse events such as cardiogenic shock.>

Cardiovascular Manifestations and Complications of Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuro-endocrine tumors. The catecholamine surge causes paroxysmal or chronic secondary hypertension. PPGLs may present as hypertensive- or PPGL-crisis with severe life-threatening cardiac and cerebrovascular complications. PPGLs-induced cardiac manifestations have been reported with diagnoses as PPGLs-induced electrocardiogram (ECG) changes “mimicking acute myocardial infarction”, arrhythmias, myocarditis, acute coronary syndrome, dilated cardiomyopathy, and lately as takotsubo syndrome. Critical analysis of these reports reveals that most of these cardiac manifestations have certain features in common. They have a dramatic clinical presentation and are reversible if the disease is treated with appropriate medical therapy and surgical resection of the PPGL tumor. They may have the same repolarization ECG changes irrespective of the clinical cardiac diagnosis, usually associated with mild to moderate elevations of myocardial biomarkers as troponins and normal coronary arteries. The histopathological findings are usually focal or multifocal in the form hypercontracted sarcomeres and contraction band necrosis (myofibrillar degeneration) with subsequent secondary mononuclear cell infiltration. Evidences argue the PPGL caused surge of catecholamines triggers hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system with cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal disruption with norepinephrine spillover causing the cardiac complications. A comprehensive review of various reported cardiovascular manifestations and complications of PPGLs are presented.

Recurrent asymptomatic Takotsubo syndrome after 20 years: are we looking at the tip of the iceberg only?

Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is an acute and reversible form of myocardial stunning preceded by emotional or physical stress, not explained by an obstruction of an epicardial coronary artery as in acute coronary syndrome. Over the last decades, TS is receiving growing attention, leading to an increase in awareness and diagnostic rate. Chest pain and dyspnea are the most common presenting symptoms; however, nonspecific presentations make the diagnosis challenging for clinicians. Here, we present the case of a 76-year-old female who experienced two completely asymptomatic episodes of TS 20 years apart.

Takotsubo Syndrome: Is this a Common Occurrence in Elderly Females after Hip Fracture?

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of Takotsubo syndrome in hip fracture is not known.

METHODS

Hip fracture patients were evaluated in a multidisciplinary unit. Patients with ECG abnormalities and increased troponin I values at the time of hospital admission were included in the study Follow-up was clinical at 30 days and by telephonic interview at one year.

RESULTS

Between October 1st 2011 to September 30th 2016, 51 of 1506 patients had preoperative evidence of myocardial damage. Eight, all females, fulfilled the Mayo criteria for Takotsubo syndrome, six had no coronary lesions. Hip surgery was uneventful, and all eight were alive at thirty days, and seven of these were still alive after one year. Forty-three patients had myocardial infarction: mortality at thirty days and one year were 11% and 44% (p<0.0001, Student's t-test; log-rank test).

CONCLUSION

At least 15% of patients with hip fracture and preoperative myocardial damage had Takotsubo syndrome. They were all elderly females. Contrary to myocardial infarction, Takotsubo syndrome has a favourable long term prognosis.

Early cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in troponin-positive acute chest pain and non-obstructed coronary arteries

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the diagnostic and prognostic implications of early cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), CMR-based deformation imaging and conventional risk factors in patients with troponin-positive acute chest pain and non-obstructed coronary arteries.

METHODS

In total, 255 patients presenting between 2009 and 2019 with troponin-positive acute chest pain and non-obstructed coronary arteries who underwent CMR in ≤7 days were followed for a clinical endpoint of all-cause mortality. Cine movies, T2-weighted and late gadolinium-enhanced images were evaluated to establish a diagnosis of the underlying heart disease. Further CMR analysis, including left ventricular strain, was carried out.

RESULTS

CMR (performed at a mean of 2.7 days) provided the diagnosis in 86% of patients (54% myocarditis, 22% myocardial infarction (MI) and 10% Takotsubo syndrome and myocardial contusion (n=1)). The 4-year mortality for a diagnosis of MI, myocarditis, Takotsubo and normal CMR patients was 10.2%, 1.6%, 27.3% and 0%, respectively. We found a strong association between CMR diagnosis and mortality (log-rank: 24, p<0.0001). Takotsubo and MI as the diagnosis, age, hypertension, diabetes, female sex, ejection fraction, stroke volume index and most of the investigated strain parameters were univariate predictors of mortality; however, in the multivariate analysis, only hypertension and circumferential mechanical dispersion measured by strain analysis were independent predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

CMR performed in the early phase establishes the proper diagnosis in patients with troponin-positive acute chest pain and non-obstructed coronary arteries and provides additional prognostic factors. This may indicate that CMR could play an additional role in risk stratification in this patient population.

A novel case of reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy following brain biopsy

Reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (rTTC) is a variant of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) or stress-induced cardiomyopathy. TTC is a transient cardiomyopathy resulting in a heart failure syndrome, triggered by emotional and/or physical stressors, that is usually self-limited. rTTC is characterized by basal wall hypokinesis and apical wall hyperkinesis, the opposite of TTC. rTTC is more commonly associated with neurologic conditions, most notably intracranial hemorrhage. We present the first case in the literature of rTTC specifically following brain biopsy.

Autonomic neurocardiogenic syndrome is stonewalled by the universal definition of myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is defined as myocardial cell death due to prolonged myocardial ischemia. Clinically, troponin rise and/or fall have become the “defining feature of MI” according to the universal definition of MI (UD-MI). Takotsubo syndrome (TS) and TS-related disease conditions also cause troponin elevation with typical rise and/or fall pattern but through a mechanism other than coronary ischemia. By strict application of the clinical diagnostic criteria for type-1 MI, type-2 MI, type-3 MI, and MI with non-obstructive coronary arteries according to the UD-MI including the fourth one published recently, TS and most of the 26 other causes of troponin elevation mentioned in the fourth UD-MI may erroneously be classified as MI. The existing evidence argues for the case that TS by itself is not a MI. Hyper-activation of the autonomic-sympathetic nervous system including local cardiac sympathetic hyper-activation and disruption with nor-epinephrine churn and spillover is the most probable cause of TS. This autonomic neuro-cardiogenic (ANCA) mechanism results in myocardial “cramp” (stunning), the severity and duration of which depend on the degree of the sympathetic-hyperactivation and nor-epinephrine spillover. The myocardial cramp may squeeze the cytosolic free troponin pools causing mild to moderate troponin elevation in TS and TS-related disease conditions. This ANCA syndrome, which has hitherto been enveloped by the UD-MI over more than one decade, may occur in acute, recurrent, and chronic forms. In this critical review, the controversies of UD-MI, evidence for ANCA syndrome, and a hypothetical mechanism for the troponin elevation in ANCA syndrome are provided.

A rare long-term undetected pheochromocytoma leading to Takotsubo syndrome in an older male patient: a case report

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo syndrome is an uncommon, acute, and reversible cardiomyopathy that occurs primarily in postmenopausal females. The clinical presentation of the syndrome resembles acute coronary syndrome, but coronary angiography reveals no obstructive coronary artery disease. Rarely, a catecholamine surge due to pheochromocytoma may induce Takotsubo syndrome. The clinical features of pheochromocytoma include paroxysmal hypertension, headache, palpitations, and profuse sweating. However, owing to the episodic, rather than continued, symptoms and signs of pheochromocytoma, its timely diagnosis poses a challenge for clinicians. Here, we report a rare case of long-term undetected pheochromocytoma leading to Takotsubo syndrome in an older male patient.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 70-year-old man presented with paroxysmal chest distress and chest pain. Examinations revealed acute coronary syndrome with normal coronary arteries, heart failure, reversible left ventricular regional wall motion abnormalities, labile blood pressure, a giant left adrenal mass, and extremely high levels of metanephrine and normetanephrine. Clinical manifestations, laboratory reports, and imaging findings suggested a diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome caused by pheochromocytoma. Supportive therapy, administration of alpha- adrenergic receptor blockers, and left adrenal mass resection resolved the patient's symptoms. A histological examination confirmed the presence of pheochromocytoma. We reviewed his history of midbrain hemorrhage 6 years prior and found a mass in the left adrenal region by reviewing the computed tomography images of the lung that were also taken 6 years prior, on which the pheochromocytoma was evident.

CONCLUSIONS

Our case illustrates the importance of understanding the link between pheochromocytoma and Takotsubo syndrome. A diagnosis of pheochromocytoma-induced Takotsubo syndrome should be considered during the differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, especially in patients with labile blood pressure and normal coronary angiography findings; meanwhile, assessments of catecholamines and its metabolites and abdominal computed tomography scan should be performed at the right time. Clinicians should also be alert to potential pheochromocytoma in patients with unexplained cerebral hemorrhage, even in the absence of symptoms of catecholamine excess.

Imaging Cardiovascular Emergencies: Real World Clinical Cases

Cardiovascular emergencies represent life-threatening conditions requiring a high index of clinical suspicion. In an emergency scenario, a simple stepwise biomarker/imaging diagnostic algorithm may help prompt diagnosis and timely treatment along with related improved outcomes. This article describes several clinical cases of cardiovascular emergencies, such as coronary stent thrombosis-restenosis, takotsubo syndrome, acute myocarditis, massive pulmonary embolism, type A acute aortic dissection, cardiac tamponade, and endocarditis.

Left Ventricular Sphericity Index is a reproducible bedside echocardiographic measure of geometric change between acute phase Takotsubo's syndrome and acute anterior myocardial infarction

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TS and AMI are separate cardiac conditions with similar clinical presentations.

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TS have a higher LVSI than AMI, indicating a more spherical left ventricle.

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LVSI may be utilised acutely to assist differentiation of acute phase TS and AMI.

Background

Left ventricular sphericity index (LVSI) is a simple, quick and reproducible measure to evaluate LV geometric changes. The aim of our study was to evaluate the utility of LVSI as a rapid discrimination tool in two disease processes; Takotsubo’s Syndrome (TS) and Anterior Myocardial Infarction (AMI), in the absence of significant left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Methods

Consecutive patients with acute phase TS admitted to our institution (Jan 2013 - Dec 2018) were evaluated (n=66). Patients with a comprehensive two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram were included in primary analysis (n=50) and age-matched with a cohort of patients with acute anterior AMI (n=50). Appraisal of demographic, clinical and echocardiographic parameters of patients was undertaken. Biplane LVSI was calculated as an average of the short- and long-axis length in the 4- and 2-chamber apical views.

Results

A total of 50 TS patients (64.3±13.7 years, 18% men) were matched with 50 AMI (62.10±12.84 years, 74% men) patients. There was no significant difference in baseline cardiovascular risk factors other than diabetes mellitus (AMI 34% vs TS 17%, p = 0.034). There was also no difference in LV mass (p=0.10) or LVEF (p=0.52) between the two groups. Interestingly, there was a significant difference in mean LVSI between TS (0.60±0.06) vs AMI (0.52±0.07) (p<0.01) reflecting a more spherical shaped left ventricle in the acute TS group.

Conclusions

LVSI is reflective of geometric changes in the left ventricle and may be helpful as a rapid and reproducible diagnostic tool in differentiating between TS and AMI in the acute phase.

Long-term injury after Takotsubo syndrome (stress cardiomyopathy)

Takotsubo syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by transient impairment of left ventricular contractility, in association with symptoms, increase in indices of myocardial necrosis, as well as electrocardiographic changes, but without a coronary culprit lesion, and often after a significant psychological or physical stress. Albeit very similar to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as far as presentation and clinical course, Takotsubo syndrome was considered, up until recently, a condition with very favourable long-term prognosis, in view of the frequent complete functional recovery. More recently, several retrospective observational studies as well as registers, unexpectedly called attention to a significant incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events, not limited to the recovery period but also during the long-term follow-up, in a way very similar to the outcome of patients after ACS. Several negative prognostic factors have been isolated, such as physical stress as trigger of the condition, the presence of severe left ventricular dysfunction, and the consequent cardiogenic shock during the acute phase. These factors are able to classify better the patient's prognosis, both in the short- and long-term, and identify patients requiring a more stringent clinical follow-up, considering the higher likelihood of adverse cardiovascular events.