Mechanisms of stress (takotsubo) cardiomyopathy

Quantitative evaluation of myocardial layer-specific strain using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in septic patients

BACKGROUND

Although global longitudinal strain (GLS) is proven to be reduced and associated with adverse outcomes in septic patients, it has not been elucidated whether or not layer-specific strains are reduced. We aimed to explore the layer-specific strains of left ventricular (LV) for assessing myocardial dysfunction in septic patients.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of patients with sepsis was conducted in a tertiary hospital in China. Routine two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography was performed within 24 h of enrollment. Demographic data, laboratory values, and clinical outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

We recruited 79 septic patients finally. The mean age of septic patients was 59.4 years old and 45 (57.0%) were male. The median Acute Physiology Age and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, and mean sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score of all patients were 19.0 and 7.7, respectively. According to the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) value of 50%, the patients were categorized into two groups: SICM (sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, LVEF < 50%, n = 22) and non-SICM group ( LVEF ≥ 50%, n = 57). The median LVEF of SICM and non-SICM patients were 41.9% and 58.7%, and SICM patients had less negative layer-specific strain and global strain than that of non-SICM patients. The echocardiographic comparison of non-SICM and healthy controls was conducted to explore the myocardial injuries of non-SICM patients and the non-SICM had worse LS-epi than that of controls (-18.5% vs. -21.4%, p = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

There were 72.2% (57) septic patients presented with non-SICM (LVEF ≥ 50%), and the strain value of epicardium of them was less negative than healthy controls.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with Herpes simplex encephalitis: A case report and literature review

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a stress-induced cardiomyopathy characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction. It can be triggered by various central nervous system pathologies including status epilepticus (SE) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) encephalitis. Herpex simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a life-threatening, sporadic, encephalitis associated with focal or global cerebral dysfunction caused by herpes simplex viruses type 1(HSV-1), or less commonly, type 2(HSV-2). While approximately 20% of patients with HSE develop NMDAr antibodies, not all manifest with encephalitis clinically. We present here a 77-year-old woman admitted with HSV-1 encephalitis who presented with acute encephalopathy and seizure-like activity. Continuous EEG monitoring (cEEG) showed periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) involving the left parietotemporal region but no evidence of electrographic seizures. Her early hospital course was complicated by TCM which subsequently resolved on repeat TTE. She demonstrated initial neurological improvement. However, five weeks later her mental status declined. Again, no seizures were appreciated on cEEG. Unfortunately, repeat studies including lumbar puncture and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain were consistent with NMDAr encephalitis. She was treated with immunosuppression and immunomodulation therapies. To our knowledge we report the first case of TCM secondary to HSE without comorbid status epilepticus. However, further studies are needed to better understand the correlation between, and underlying pathophysiology of HSE and TCM, as well as any potential association with this presentation and subsequent development of NMDAr encephalitis.

The Incidence of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A US Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a commonly observed complication among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH); however, the incidence of TC in patients with ICH have not been investigated yet. The goal of this study was to examine the incidence of TC in ICH and identify its risk factors, incidence rate, and outcomes of TC in patients with ICH in a US nationwide scale.

METHODS

Data for patients with ICH between the years of 2015 and 2018 were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and stratified based on the diagnosis of TC.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the incidence rate of TC in ICH discharges was 0.27% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.31). The mean age of patients with ICH developing TC was 66.28 years ± 17.11. There were significantly more women in the TC group, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.65 (95% CI 2.63-5.05). Acute myocardial infarction (OR 7.91, 95% CI 5.80-10.80) was significantly higher in the TC group. The mortality rate of patients with ICH who had TC was significantly higher (33.48%, p < 0.0001). Length of stay (mean days; 15.72 ± 13.56 vs. 9.56 ± 14.10, p < 0.0001) significantly increased in patients with ICH who had TC. Patients with intraventricular ICH (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.88-3.22) had the highest odds of TC.

CONCLUSIONS

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is associated with a higher mortality, longer hospitalization period, and more acute myocardial infarctions in patients with ICH. It is illustrated that intraventricular ICH is associated with higher odds of TC.

Case Report: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in Bickerstaff Brainstem Encephalitis Triggered by COVID-19

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a stress-induced cardiomyopathy triggered by critical illness including severe neurological disorders. However, an association between TCM and Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE) has rarely been described. During the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, growing evidence indicates that COVID-19 often leads to various neurological disorders, but there are few reports of an association between COVID-19 and BBE. Here we report a case of TCM associated with BBE triggered by COVID-19, which subsided with immunotherapy for BBE. Both transthoracic echocardiography and electrocardiography led to early and accurate diagnosis of TCM. Sustained hemodynamic instability due to TCM was immediately lessened with immunotherapy whereas additional plasmapheresis and immunotherapy were required to treat BBE. This case indicates that BBE might follow COVID-19 and TCM should be considered when hemodynamic status remains unstable in a patient with BBE.

Heartbroken Child: A Rare Case Report of Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy following Recurrent Medulloblastoma Excision with Possible Aetio-Patho-Bio-Physiological Mechanisms

INTRODUCTION

Takotsubo (Japanese fishing pot for trapping octopus) cardiomyopathy is a rare phenomenon of acute coronary syndrome presenting usually with the presence of transient apical ballooning of the left ventricle in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. It is mainly seen in women of older age secondary to emotional, physical, or psychological stress. In age less than 18 years, it is mainly seen in adolescents suffering from psychiatric disorders and substance abuse. In children, it is rarely described.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present here a peculiar case of a 12-year-old child with neurogenic pulmonary oedema and takotsubo cardiomyopathy syndrome after surgery for recurrent medulloblastoma. Also, management challenges are discussed.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is not just a classical or inverted type but indeed a spectrum. It can be seen in any case, be it a child or adult secondary to handling or injury to the ponto-medullary junction, rostral pons, or dorsolateral medulla. The density and distribution of beta-adrenergic receptors may be different in children and adults which needs further research. Prognosis is usually excellent across all ages.

Pathophysiology of Takotsubo syndrome - a joint scientific statement from the Heart Failure Association Takotsubo Syndrome Study Group and Myocardial Function Working Group of the European Society of Cardiology - Part 2: vascular pathophysiology, gender and sex hormones, genetics, chronic cardiovascular problems and clinical implications

While the first part of the scientific statement on the pathophysiology of Takotsubo syndrome was focused on catecholamines and the sympathetic nervous system, in the second part we focus on the vascular pathophysiology including coronary and systemic vascular responses, the role of the central and peripheral nervous systems during the acute phase and abnormalities in the subacute phase, the gender differences and integrated effects of sex hormones, genetics of Takotsubo syndrome including insights from microRNA studies and inducible pluripotent stem cell models of Takotsubo syndrome. We then discuss the chronic abnormalities of cardiovascular physiology in survivors, the limitations of current clinical and preclinical studies, the implications of the knowledge of pathophysiology for clinical management and future perspectives and directions of research.

Alpha 1-adrenoceptor signalling contributes to toxic effects of catecholamine on electrical properties in cardiomyocytes

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate possible roles and underlying mechanisms of alpha-adrenoceptor coupled signalling for the pathogenesis of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were treated with a toxic concentration of epinephrine (Epi, 0.5 mM for 1 h) to mimic the setting of TTS. Patch-clamp technique, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) were employed for the study. High concentration Epi suppressed the depolarization velocity, prolonged duration of action potentials and induced arrhythmic events in hiPSC-CMs. The Epi effects were attenuated by an alpha-adrenoceptor blocker (phentolamine), suggesting involvement of alpha-adrenoceptor signalling in arrhythmogenesis related to QT interval prolongation in the setting of TTS. An alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist (phenylephrine) but not an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist (clonidine) mimicked Epi effects. Epi enhanced ROS production, which could be attenuated by the alpha- adrenoceptor blocker. Treatment of cells with H2O2 (100 µM) mimicked the effects of Epi on action potentials and a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-blocker (N-acetyl-I-cysteine, 1 mM) prevented the Epi effects, indicating that the ROS signalling is involved in the alpha-adrenoceptor actions. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) oxidases were involved in alpha 1-adrenoceptor signalling. A protein kinase C (PKC) blocker suppressed the effects of Epi, phenylephrine and ROS as well, implying that PKC participated in alpha 1-adrenoceptor signalling and acted as a downstream factor of ROS. The abnormal action potentials resulted from alpha 1-adrenoceptor activation-induced dysfunctions of ion channels including the voltage-dependent Na+ and L-type Ca2+ channels.

CONCLUSIONS

Alpha 1-adrenoceptor signalling plays important roles for arrhythmogenesis of TTS. Alpha-adrenoceptor blockers might be clinically helpful for treating arrhythmias in patients with TTS.

Two case studies of cardiac arrest occurring in medically fit patients undergoing radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer

We report case histories of two young women who had an intraoperative cardiac arrest, potentially caused by preoperative emotional stress, while undergoing open radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Neither had any history of heart disease or other comorbidities. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a form of stress cardiomyopathy characterized by acute reversible ventricular dysfunction that can occur in the perioperative period, was the cause in one patient. A vasovagal episode during the exploration of the abdomen was the cause in the other. Successful resuscitation and stabilisation of both patients made it possible to continue the surgery and successfully complete both procedures. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy should be considered in any patient showing significant preoperative stress who has a cardiac arrest, even if there is no preoperative morbidity. It is difficult to differentiate from a vasovagal episode intraoperatively. Surgical and anaesthetic teams should be aware of importance of countering severe preoperative stress.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with bronchoscopic operation: A case report

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), a syndrome of acute left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, is characterized by transitory hypokinesis of LV apices with compensatory hyperkinesis of the LV basal region. The symptoms of TTC mimic acute myocardial infarction, without significant coronary stenoses on coronary angiography. Echocardiogram plays a key role in the diagnosis and prognosis of TTC. New indicators from echocardiograms may be helpful in disease evaluation.

CASE SUMMARY

A 67-year-old man with a 10-year history of non-small cell lung cancer was admitted to our hospital for emerging facial edema and dry cough. Bronchoscopic lavage, brushing, and biopsy were performed to evaluate tumor progression. During this procedure, he complained of left chest pain, nausea, and vomiting, with elevated troponin levels. Electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia with ST-segment elevation in I, AVL, and V4 to V6 leads. Coronary angiography revealed mild stenosis in the right coronary artery. Echocardiography showed hypokinesis of LV apices with compensatory hyperkinesis of the LV basal region. At the 7-d follow-up, echocardiographic pressure-strain analysis showed a normal LV ejection fraction, but partial recovery of LV myocardial work, which fully recovered 5 mo later.

CONCLUSION

This is a case of TTC caused by bronchoscopic operation. We strongly recommend noninvasive myocardial work measured by echocardiographic pressure-strain analysis as a necessary supplementary test for the long-term follow-up of TTC.

β1-Blocker improves survival and ventricular remodelling in rats with lethal crush injury

BACKGROUND

Crush injury/crush syndrome (CI/CS) is the second most common cause of death during earthquakes. Most studies of CI/CS have mainly focused on kidney injury after decompression. Few studies have focused on myocardial injury caused by crush injury and its potential mechanisms.

METHODS

We first verified cardiomyocyte injury during compression in rats with a crush injury. The survival rate, electrocardiographic results, histological results, catecholamine changes and cardiac β1-AR expression were evaluated. Next, we explored the effects of pretreatment with a selective β1-blocker (bisoprolol) with or without fluid resuscitation on rats with a crush injury. In addition to evaluating the survival rates, biochemical and histological analyses and echocardiographic measurements were also performed.

RESULTS

Reduced heart rates, elevated ST segments, and tall-peaked T waves were observed in the rats with a crush injury. The changes in the myocardial enzymes and pathological results demonstrated that myocardial damage occurred during compression in rats with a crush injury. The levels of the catecholamine norepinephrine in both the serum and myocardial tissue were elevated during compression. Pretreatment with a selective β1-blocker combined with fluid resuscitation significantly improved the survival rates of the rats with lethal crush injury. The myocardial enzymes and pathological results showed that the combined therapy decreased myocardial damage. The echocardiography measurements showed that the rats that received the combined therapy exhibited decreased left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular volume at end-systole (LVVs) and left ventricular internal diameter (LVID) compared with the rats with a crush injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated the presence of myocardial injury in the early stage of compression in rats with a crush injury. Pretreatment with a β1-blocker (bisoprolol) with fluid resuscitation significantly reduced mortality, decreased myocardial tissue damage, and improved ventricular remodelling in rats with a lethal crush injury.

Reversible stress cardiomyopathy in Guillain-Barré syndrome: a case report

Background

Case Presentation

Conclusions

Triggers for Atrial Fibrillation: The Role of Anxiety

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most widely recognized arrhythmia. Systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, and valvular heart diseases are major risk factors for the onset and progression of AF. Various studies have emphasized the augmented anxiety rate among AF patients due to the poor quality of life; however, little information is known about the possibility of triggering atrial fibrillation by anxiety. The present review sought to underline the possible pathophysiological association between AF and anxiety disorders and suggests that anxiety can be an independent risk factor for AF, acting as a trigger, creating an arrhythmogenic substrate, and modulating the autonomic nervous system. The awareness of the role of anxiety disorders as a risk factor for AF may lead to the development of new clinical strategies for the management of AF.

Tako-Tsubo syndrome, spontaneous coronary dissection and microvascular disease: Sex-differences

Up to 50% of the patients undergoing coronary angiography present no epicardial disease. Most of these patients are women. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, coronary microvascular dysfunction, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection are the most common syndromes that affect these patients. Their mechanisms are complex, with a interplay between neurohormonal factors and a number of other systems. The present review describes how changes in the estrogen state may lead to changes in vasomotor tone and endothelial dysfunction which result in coronary epicardial and microvascular spasm and coronary arterial wall instability in these three conditions. The sex-dependent differences in prevalence, pathogenesis, and prognosis are described.

Alteration of β-Adrenoceptor Signaling in Left Ventricle of Acute Phase Takotsubo Syndrome: a Human Study

Accumulating evidence indicates alteration of the β-adrenoceptor (AR), such as desensitization and subtype switching of its coupling G protein, plays a role in the protection against catecholamine toxicity in heart failure. However, in human takotsubo syndrome (TTS), which is associated with a surge of circulating catecholamine in the acute phase, there is no histologic evidence of β-AR alteration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement of alteration of β-AR signaling in the mechanism of TTS development. Left ventricular (LV) biopsied samples from 26 patients with TTS, 19 with normal LV function, and 26 with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were studied. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and β-arrestin2, which initiate the alteration of β-AR signaling, were more abundantly expressed in the myocardium in acute-phase TTS than in those of DCM and normal control as indicated by immunohistochemistry. The percentage of cardiomyocytes that showed positive membrane staining for GRK2 and β-arrestin2 was also significantly higher in acute-phase TTS. Sequential biopsies in the recovery-phase for two patients with TTS revealed that membrane expression of GRK2 and β-arrestin2 faded over time. This study provided the first histologic evidence of the involvement of alteration of β-ARs in the development of TTS.

Pheochromocytoma-Induced Cardiomyopathy Mimicking Acute Coronary Syndrome

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor with a prevalence of 0.1% to 0.6% in hypertensive patients. The classic triad of symptoms is headache, palpitations, and diaphoresis, but clinical presentation varies greatly. Pheochromocytoma can also mimic acute coronary syndrome and heart failure. With surgical resection, appropriate preoperative medical therapy, and 10% malignancy rate, prognosis is usually good. In the present case, a patient presented to the emergency department with symptoms suggesting a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and was transferred to a tertiary medical center for a cardiac catheterization. No coronary artery disease was found. However, cardiomyopathy developed, which made pheochromocytoma difficult to diagnose at first glance.

[Acute Stress and Broken Heart Syndrome. A Case Report]

INTRODUCTION

Stress has been associated with an acute heart failure syndrome of important morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

Case report and non-systematic review of the relevant literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 65-year-old woman with a history of an untreated generalized anxiety disorder, whom after the violent death of her son presented with oppressive chest pain irradiated to neck and left superior extremity, lasting for more than 30minutes, initial clinical suspect suggests acute coronary syndrome.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by a reversible left ventricular dysfunction and wall movement abnormalities, without any compromise of the coronary arteries, associated to high plasma levels of catecholamines which in most cases correlates with an acute stress of emotional or physical type.

CONCLUSIONS

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy has to be considered by physicians among the differential diagnosis when facing a patient with suspected acute coronary syndrome, especially in post-menopausal women with a history of psychiatric comorbidities such as a generalized anxiety disorder.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy With a Rapidly Resolved Left Ventricular Thrombus

This article presents the case of a 53-year-old man who presented with acute right superficial femoral and popliteal arterial thrombosis for which he underwent an emergent uncomplicated thrombectomy. He denied preceding cardiovascular or neurologic symptomatology and had no history of coronary or peripheral arterial disease, trauma, hypercoagulability, or malignancy. However, he reported having several days of intense emotional stress prior to presentation. His cardiac exam was normal, his electrocardiogram showed normal sinus rhythm and nonspecific ST-T wave abnormalities, and his troponin levels were normal. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a large (2.4 × 2 cm) apical left ventricle (LV) thrombus, LV apical akinesis, and LV ejection fraction of 40% to 45%. Coronary angiography revealed only luminal irregularities. A repeat TTE performed 3 days after initiating unfractionated heparin revealed complete resolution of the LV thrombus. The patient had an uneventful clinical course and was discharged home in stable condition on oral anticoagulants. The lower incidence of LV thrombus in takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) of 1.3% in comparison to 4% to 8% in acute myocardial infarction due to coronary artery disease in the current era of early reperfusion may be explained by the lower extent of ischemic myocardial necrosis associated with TC. This case suggests that the lower extent of myocardial necrosis in TC may also lead to faster resolution of LV thrombus. Therefore, earlier follow-up with TTE (within 2 weeks) and shorter duration of anticoagulation (<3 months) may be considered in patients with TC complicated by LV thrombus formation with or without systemic embolism.

The heart of epilepsy: Current views and future concepts

Cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities are common in people with epilepsy. Several mechanisms explain why these conditions tend to co-exist including causal associations, shared risk factors and those resulting from epilepsy or its treatment. Various arrhythmias occurring during and after seizures have been described. Ictal asystole is the most common cause. The converse phenomenon, arrhythmias causing seizures, appears extremely rare and has only been reported in children following cardioinihibitory syncope. Arrhythmias in epilepsy may not only result from seizure activity but also from a shared genetic susceptibility. Various cardiac and epilepsy genes could be implicated but firm evidence is still lacking. Several antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) triggering conduction abnormalities can also explain the co-existence of arrhythmias in epilepsy. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that people with epilepsy have a higher prevalence of structural cardiac disease and a poorer CV risk profile than those without epilepsy. Shared CV risk factors, genetics and etiological factors can account for a significant part of the relationship between epilepsy and structural cardiac disease. Seizure activity may cause transient myocardial ischaemia and the Takotsubo syndrome. Additionally, certain AEDs may themselves negatively affect CV risk profile in epilepsy. Here we discuss the fascinating borderland of epilepsy and cardiovascular conditions. The review focuses on epidemiology, clinical presentations and possible mechanisms for shared pathophysiology. It concludes with a discussion of future developments and a call for validated screening instruments and guidelines aiding the early identification and treatment of CV comorbidity in epilepsy.

Regenerative Medicine: Potential Mechanisms of Cardiac Recovery in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

OPINION STATEMENT

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an increasingly reported cause of acute chest pain and acute heart failure and is often associated with significant hemodynamic compromise. The illness is remarkable for the reversibility in systolic dysfunction seen in the disease course. While the pathophysiology of takotsubo syndrome is not completely elucidated, research suggests the presence of a cytoprotective process that allows the myocardium to recover following the inciting insult. Here, we summarize molecular and histologic studies exploring the response to injury in takotsubo disease and provide some discussion on how they may contribute to further investigations in cardiac recovery and regeneration.

Nomenclature and systems of classification for cardiomyopathy in children

There has been a progressive evolution in systems of classification for cardiomyopathy, driven by advances in imaging modalities, disease recognition, and genetics, following initial clinical descriptions in the 1960s. A pathophysiological classification emerged and was endorsed by World Health Organisation Task Forces in 1980 and 1995: dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathies; subdivided into idiopathic and disease-specific cardiomyopathies. Genetic advances have increasingly linked "idiopathic" phenotypes to specific mutations, although most linkages exhibit highly variable or little genotype-phenotype correlation, confounded by age-dependent changes and varying penetrance. The following two dominant classification systems are currently in use, with advocates in both continents. First, American Heart Association (2006): "A heterogeneous group of diseases of the myocardium associated with mechanical and/or electrical dysfunction that usually exhibit inappropriate ventricular hypertrophy or dilatation due to a variety of causes that frequently are genetic". These are subdivided to those predominantly involving the heart - primary - due to genetic mutation, including ion channelopathies, acquired disease, or mixed; and those with systemic involvement in other organ systems - secondary. Second, European Society of Cardiology (2008): "A myocardial disorder in which heart muscle is structurally and functionally abnormal… sufficient to cause the observed myocardial abnormality", with subdivision to familial and non-familial, excluding ion channelopathies, and split to specific disease subtypes and idiopathic. Further differences exist in the definitions for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; however, whichever high-level classification is used, the clinical reality remains phenotype driven. Clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging dominate initial patient contact, revealing diagnostic red flags that determine further specific tests. Genetic testing is undertaken early. A recent attempt to harmonise these competing systems named the MOGE(S) system, based on descriptive logical nosology, currently remains unproven as a fully practical solution.

A New Insight Into Sudden Cardiac Death in Young People: A Systematic Review of Cases of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) causes sudden cardiac death and has garnered increased attention worldwide in recent years. However, few studies have clearly classified the risk factors for this disease, including gender, race and morbidity, as well as the physical and mental stressors that can exacerbate the disease, particularly in young patients. To better analyze the characteristics of young TTC patients, we performed a systematic review of reported cases involving young patients.A computer-assisted search was performed using prominent electronic medical information sources to identify literature published between January 1965 and December 2013. Relevant studies containing clinical data of young TTC patients were included.Ninety-six records that included information about 104 cases were ultimately selected for our review. Several of the following results were noted: First, physical stress was more likely to exacerbate TTC than was mental stress in young patients. Second, more female than male TTC patients were noted among both young patients and the general population. Third, ethnicity appears to play no role in the disease, as no significant differences were noted among individuals of different races with respect to clinical characteristics, morbidity or stressors. Fourth, the clinical manifestations of TTC were similar to those of other cardiac diseases, including coronary heart disease. However, TTC may be detected using the combination of echocardiography and ventriculography.Clinicians should consider TTC if young patients present with symptoms similar to those of coronary heart disease so that harmful treatments such as coronary artery stent placement may be avoided. Moreover, the answers to questions regarding the clinical diagnostic criteria, etiology, pathophysiology, and the management of this syndrome in youth remain unclear; therefore, further research is needed.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: Typical and Atypical Variants, A Two-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Typical or classical takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is associated with the characteristic abnormality of a ballooned left ventricular apex with basal segmental hyperkinesis. TCM may not present with the “classical” wall motion abnormalities but can have a variety of segmental wall motion abnormalities. The aim of our work was to assess for any unique identifying factors that can help distinguish typical and atypical variants of TCM.

Methods

We studied 11 consecutive patients between 2010 and 2012 admitted with chest pain, electrocardiographic and cardiac biomarker changes consistent with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent left heart angiography and were clinically diagnosed to have TCM.

Results

Our study found no specific features distinguishing typical and atypical variants of TCM. In our study, all patients were female and all had excellent outcome. One patient was in fourth decade of life, three patients in fifth and sixth decade of life, while remaining were older. One patient had diabetes mellitus, five had hypertension, four had concurrent coronary artery disease, but no patient had any family history of TCM. Nine of 11 patients had immediate clear-cut stressors. Three patients had normal ECG, two with ST segment elevation, with nine patients having only modest troponin elevations. One patient had an anomalous RCA take-off from the right coronary cusp, otherwise remaining patients had normal anatomy. One patient had only apical involvement, remaining had multiple wall motion abnormalities, and all patients had involvement of the anterior wall. Four patients had apical sparing. No inverted TCM pattern with basal akinesis with normal wall motion in the midventricular and apical regions was found among our patients.

Conclusions

We report that the classification of TCM as typical versus atypical is probably not clinically meaningful. The regional wall motion abnormalities are related to catecholamine excess and to the susceptibility of that particular region to excess catecholamine. We do not know why such differences in regional susceptibility exist, and agree with the other authors that sub-classification would only add to confusion, and a delay in understanding of the disease process.

CNS disease triggering Takotsubo stress cardiomyopathy

There are a number of hereditary and non-hereditary central nervous system (CNS) disorders, which directly or indirectly affect the heart (brain-heart disorders). The most well-known of these CNS disorders are epilepsy, stroke, infectious or immunological encephalitis/meningitis, migraine, and traumatic brain injury. In addition, a number of hereditary and non-hereditary neurodegenerative disorders may impair cardiac functions. Affection of the heart may manifest not only as arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, autonomic impairment, systolic dysfunction/heart failure, arterial hypertension, or pulmonary hypertension, but also as stress cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo syndrome, TTS). CNS disease triggering TTS includes subarachnoid bleeding, epilepsy, ischemic stroke, intracerebral bleeding, migraine, encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, PRES syndrome, or ALS. Usually, TTS is acutely precipitated by stress triggered by various different events. TTS is one of the cardiac abnormalities most frequently induced by CNS disorders. Appropriate management of TTS from CNS disorders is essential to improve the outcome of affected patients.