Characterization of predictors of in-hospital cardiac complications of takotsubo cardiomyopathy: multi-center registry from Tokyo CCU Network

Takotsubo syndrome complicated by cardiogenic shock due to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, acute mitral regurgitation, and atrial fibrillation: a case report

Background

Although Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is generally considered a benign disease, recent reports showed the incidence of cardiogenic shock due to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO), mitral regurgitation (MR), and primary pump failure was estimated to be 6-20%.

Case summary

A 78-year-old woman presented with chest pain and cold sweats 2 days after surgery for lung cancer. Acute coronary syndrome was suspected based on her symptoms, electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and laboratory data; thus, emergency catheterization was performed. Normal coronaries were observed, with hyperkinesis at the base of the left ventricle and akinesis at its apex, leading to the diagnosis of the apical ballooning type of TTS. Pressure differences between the apex of the left ventricle (168/8/28 mmHg) and aorta (94/50/64 mmHg) indicated the presence of LVOTO. Two days after TTS onset, she developed cardiogenic shock (blood pressure was 54/38 mmHg). Transthoracic echocardiography showed acute MR due to systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve caused by LVOTO, which was further exacerbated by paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Fluid resuscitation, intravenous β-blockers, and amiodarone were administered for reduction of the pressure gradient in the left ventricular outflow, rate control, and sinus rhythm maintenance. Her condition improved along with the MR, thereby improving LVOTO and maintaining sinus rhythm.

Discussion

Takotsubo syndrome should be kept in mind as a potential cause of acute MR due to LVOTO. Catheterization and multiple follow-up TTE play a major role in early detection for this condition.

Impact of age on the outcomes of Takotsubo syndrome

BACKGROUND

The impact on age on the short-term and long-term prognosis in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether age has prognostic implications during hospital stay and long-term follow-up of TTS patients.

METHODS

688 consecutive patients were admitted for TTS in 7 tertiary centers from January-2008 to June-2021. We divided our cohort into two groups (patients <75 years and ≥75 years). Clinical, analytical, and hemodynamic variables as well as in-hospital management were registered and compared between groups. Mortality rates during hospital stay and follow-up were assessed. Adverse cardiovascular events (ACE) were defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, heart failure event, acute myocardial infarction, stroke and symptomatic arrhythmia.

RESULTS

Median age was 74.7 years and 49.4 % were ≥75 years. 86.9 % were women and 22.3 % were secondary forms of TTS. In-hospital mortality was 3.6 % (1.5 % cardiovascular). Median clinical follow-up was 4.3 years. Mortality during the follow-up period was 23 % (5.0 % cardiovascular) while ACE were 22.5 %, mainly due to heart failure events. Kaplan-Meier curves showed both higher rates of mortality and ACE in ≥75 years group (30.2 % vs 15.8 %; p < 0.001 and 28.3 % vs 16.7 %; p < 0.001). Age was independently associated with higher rates of overall mortality and ACE in patients with TTS. Hypertension, absence of sinus rhythm, Killip class > I and a more impaired coronary microvascular resistance were also associated to ACE in TTS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced age was associated with higher rate of overall mortality and ACE during long-term follow-up in TTS patients.

Impact of hypoalbuminemia on in-hospital mortality in patients with takotsubo syndrome: A multicenter registry of the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit Network

BACKGROUND

Hypoalbuminemia is common in critically ill patients and is associated with poor outcomes. However, the relationship between serum albumin levels and clinical outcomes in patients with takotsubo syndrome remains unclear. We examined the impact of hypoalbuminemia on in-hospital mortality in patients with takotsubo syndrome.

METHODS

Using the multicenter registry of the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit Network between January 2017 and December 2020, we identified 631 eligible patients with takotsubo syndrome (median age, 78 years; male proportion, 22 %) and documented serum albumin levels at admission, which were used to allocate patients to hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin <3.5 g/dL) or normal albumin (serum albumin ≥3.5 g/dL) groups. Patient characteristics and in-hospital mortality were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Hypoalbuminemia was detected in 200 (32 %) patients at admission. The hypoalbuminemia group was older and had a higher proportion of men and preceding physical triggers than the normal albumin group. In-hospital all-cause mortality was greater in the hypoalbuminemia group than in the normal albumin group (9.5 % vs. 1.9 %, p < 0.001). Both cardiac (3.0 % vs. 0.5 %, p = 0.015) and non-cardiac (6.5 % vs. 1.4 %, p = 0.002) mortality was greater in the hypoalbuminemia group. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, hypoalbuminemia was independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality, even after adjusting for confounders, including age, sex, and triggering events (odds ratio, 3.23; 95 % confidence interval, 1.31-7.95; p = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with takotsubo syndrome, hypoalbuminemia is a common comorbidity and is associated with a substantial risk of in-hospital death. Close monitoring and comprehensive critical care are required in these patients.

A study of takotsubo syndrome over 9 years at the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit Network Registry

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute cardiovascular disease with clinical manifestations similar to those of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and TTS sometimes occurs just after catastrophes. Large-scale studies of TTS in Japan are scarce, so we examined data over 9 years from Tokyo metropolitan acute cardiovascular care hospital network registry.

METHODS

A total of 1626 patients were diagnosed with TTS between 2010 and 2018 at Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit Network facilities, and data from all these patients were analyzed. We investigated annual and monthly captured incidence of TTS, temporal trend of the captured incidence proportion of TTS versus AMI, the occurrence of TTS on the day of the great earthquake, and we elucidated the prognostic factors for in-hospital death.

RESULTS

The annual incidence proportion of TTS versus AMI increased from 2.3 % to 4.5 % (p < 0.001) over 9 years. The mean TTS patient age was 74.4 years: the peak incidence of TTS was at 80 to 84 years of age for both male and female; females accounted for 78.5 % of patients. The monthly variation of the incidence of TTS was found (p = 0.009). In 2011, a total of 137 cases of TTS occurred, with as many as 6 occurring on March 11, the day of the Great East Japan Earthquake. There was a definable trigger for TTS in 64 % (physical: 36 %; emotional: 27 %; others: 2 %). All-cause in-hospital mortality was 5.3 % and was higher in males than in females (10.3 % vs 3.9 %; p < 0.001). Non-cardiac causes accounted for 62 % of in-hospital mortality. Factors at presentation that were associated with in-hospital all-cause mortality were male sex, low body mass index, and a high C-reactive protein level.

CONCLUSIONS

This study elucidated the clinical features, in-hospital outcomes, and their attributed factors in patients with TTS in real-world clinical practice in Japan.

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

PURPOSE

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

METHODS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Erythrocyte Indices in Patients With Takotsubo Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Although the prognosis of patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is relatively favorable, serious complications may occur. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between blood parameters and the occurrence of in-hospital complications.

METHODS

Clinical charts of 51 patients with TTS were retrospectively evaluated, and data regarding blood parameters assessed during the first 24 hours of hospitalization were studied.

RESULTS

Levels of hemoglobin less than 13 g/dL in men and 12 g/dL in women (P < 0.01), levels of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) less than 33 g/dL (P = 0.01), and levels of red blood cell distribution width-coefficient of variation higher than 14.5% (P = 0.01) were significantly associated to the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Markers, such as, platelets to lymphocytes ratio, lymphocytes to monocytes ratio, neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio, and white blood cell count to mean platelet volume, were unable to differentiate patients with and without complications (P > 0.05). MCHC and estimated glomerular filtration rate were independent predictors of MACE.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood parameters may have a role in the stratification risk of patients with TTS. Patients showing low levels of MCHC and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate were more likely to have in-hospital MACE. This should encourage physicians to closely monitor blood parameters in patients with TTS.

Takotsubo Syndrome and Sudden Cardiac Death

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

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of in-hospital complications and overall mortality in Takotsubo syndrome preceded by physical triggers

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) with physical triggers has worse short- and long-term clinical courses than those with emotional triggers. However, predictive factors associated with poor outcomes of TTS with physical triggers are unknown.

METHODS

We included 231 patients identified as TTS preceded by physical triggers at two tertiary referral hospitals from 2010 to 2019. In-hospital complications (IHC)-a composite of malignant arrhythmia, need for mechanical circulatory support or mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital death-and overall mortality were retrospectively reviewed. The associations with clinical features were evaluated by multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

The mean age was 69.3 ± 11.6 years, and 85 (36.8%) were male. The in-hospital complications rate was 46.8%. During a median follow-up of 883 days, 96 (41.6%) had died, and overall mortality was 13.6% per patient-year. Higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with a higher risk of IHC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.73; positive and negative predictive value = 60.9% and 67.2% for NLR ≤ 12); odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was 1.03 (1.01-1.05), p = 0.010. Subsequently, higher NLR was also related to a greater risk of overall mortality; patients with high NLR (NLR > 12) exhibited poor long-term survival than those with low NLR (NLR ≤ 5): hazard ratio (95% CI), 3.70 (1.72-7.94) with p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

A high NLR at initial presentation is associated with an increased risk of IHC and overall mortality in TTS preceded by physical triggers. Given that the treatment of TTS is mainly supportive, intensive monitoring with careful follow-up would be warranted in patients with high NLR.

Pathophysiology of stress cardiomyopathy: A comprehensive literature review

Introduction

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a transient type of acute heart failure with distinct wall motion abnormalities and unclear pathophysiology. This review focuses on the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms that could be involved in the occurrence takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Main body

Acute stress and subsequent excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system are major factors in the pathophysiology of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The high levels of catecholamine work in a triggering manner, generate reactive oxygen species, release inflammatory cytokines, and induce endothelial injury. The incidence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has increased following COVID-19 infection and vaccination, which suggests that neurohormonal and psychological factors (i.e., fear and anxiety of infection or vaccination) may have an additional role in the pathophysiology. In addition, inflammatory state, cytokine storm, augmented sympathetic activity, and endothelial dysfunction during the acute phase of COVID-19 infection may participate in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Chronic stress is also linked to this complex mechanism by accelerating cripple of endocrinal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, which influences the cortisol effect on releasing catecholamine, which is directly related to the pathogenesis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion

The excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system and subsequent high levels of catecholamines could initiate the process. The catecholamines, in turn, generate reactive oxygen species and release inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, CXCL1, TNF-α, and IFN-γ), which causes endothelial injury.

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The excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system is the major drive for Stress Cardiomyopathy.

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Catecholamines are responsible for the subsequent endothelial injury.

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IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, CXCL1, TNF-α, and IFN-γ are the major cytokines involved in Stress Cardiomyopathy.

COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease: manifestations, pathophysiology, vaccination, and long-term implication

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by a new coronavirus family member, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is linked with many disease manifestations in multiple organ systems on top of pulmonary manifestations. COVID-19 is also accompanied by several cardiovascular pathologies including myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction, stress cardiomyopathy, arterial and venous thromboembolism, pericarditis, and arrhythmias. The pathophysiological mechanisms explaining these clinical symptoms are multifactorial including systemic inflammation (cytokine storm), coagulopathy, direct viral invasion through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, hypoxemia, electrolyte imbalance, and fever. Several case reports have shown the development of an unusual cardiovascular event after receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The current article aimed to review cardiovascular involvement in the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to clinical features, pathogenesis, long-term effects, and the adverse effects of treatments and vaccines based on the latest evidence.

Gender Differences in Takotsubo Syndrome

Simple Summary

The manifestation of Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) may be different in males and females based on past reports and our clinical research. However, the gender differences in TTS are unknown because patients with TTS are predominantly female. TTS is common in females; however, approximately 10–20% of males have TTS and it has been reported that in-hospital complications mostly occur in males. TTS in males is often caused by physical stress and often develops in the hospital or during hospitalization. TTS in males is associated with severe cardiac complications, which may require careful observations and interventions. Regarding the pathogenic mechanism of TTS, it has been reported that decreased estrogen levels, common in postmenopausal females, are involved in the pathogenic mechanism. Moreover, the pathological findings and gene expression were different in males and females. From these results, it can be considered that the mechanism of the onset of TTS may be different between males and females.

Abstract

Most patients with Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) are postmenopausal females. TTS in males is rare and gender differences have not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, we investigated gender differences in TTS. TTS in males and females is often triggered by physical and emotional stress, respectively. Heart failure, a severe in-hospital complication, requires greater mechanical respiratory support in males. Fatal arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation and in-hospital mortality rates are higher in males. The white blood cell (WBC) count has been shown to be higher in males than in females with cardiovascular death compared with non-cardiovascular death. Therefore, the WBC count, a simple marker, may reflect severe TTS. Decreased estrogen levels, common in postmenopausal females, are a pathogenic mechanism of TTS. Females have a more significant increase in the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction than males. Moreover, the pathological findings after hematoxylin–eosin staining were different in males and females. Males had more severe complications than females in the acute phase of TTS; thus, more careful observations and interventions are likely required. From these results, it can be considered that the mechanism of the onset of TTS may be different between males and females. Therefore, it is necessary to fully understand the gender differences in order to more effectively manage TTS.

Meta-analysis of Incidence and outcomes of life-threatening arrhythmias in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Background

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) or stress-induced cardiomyopathy is a transient heart condition that clinically resembles an acute coronary syndrome. This study aims to assess the incidence of life-threatening arrhythmias in patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and evaluate the outcomes of patients with life-threatening arrhythmias (LTAs) in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy compared with those without LTA.

Methods

We comprehensively searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase databases from inception to February 2021. The primary aim of the study was to determine the incidence of LTAs in TC patients. Other outcomes of interest were the odds of in-hospital, long-term mortality, and cardiogenic shock (CS) in TC patients with LTAs versus those without LTAs. For all statistical analyses, ReviewManager and MedCalc were used.

Results

Eighteen studies were included in this study involving 55,557 participants (2,185 with LTAs and 53,372 without LTAs). The pooled incidence of LTAs in the patients of TC was found to be 6.29% (CI: 4.70–8.08%; I2 = 94.67%). There was a statistically significant increased risk of in-hospital mortality (OR = 4.74; CI: 2.24–10.04; I2 = 77%, p < 0.0001) and cardiogenic shock (OR = 5.60; CI: 3.51–8.95; I2 = 0%, p < 0.00001) in the LTA group versus the non-LTA group. LTA was not associated with long-term mortality (OR = 2.23; CI: 0.94–5.28; I2 = 53%, p = 0.07).

Conclusion

The pooled incidence of life-threatening arrhythmias in the patients of TC was found to be 6.29%. In the group of TC patients with LTAs, the odds of in-hospital mortality and CS, was higher than in the TC patients without LTAs.

Outcomes of catecholamine and/or mechanical support in Takotsubo syndrome

Objective

This study aimed to reveal the clinical characteristics of patients with severe Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) who needed catecholamine support (CS) or mechanical support (MS) and to identify factors associated with serious illness and in-hospital mortality.

Methods

This was a nationwide retrospective study that used claims data from the Japanese registry of all cardiac and vascular diseases and the diagnosis procedure combination registry, from April 2012 to March 2016. The patients with TTS were divided into severe TTS and mild TTS groups. The severe group was defined as patients who needed CS and/or MS.

Results

Among 6169 patients with TTS, 1148 (18.6%) had severe TTS. No significant difference in age was found between the two groups; however, the number of female patients was significantly lower in the severe group than in the mild group. Among 130 patients who underwent MS, 22 and 108 patients required MS alone and both MS and CS, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was significantly higher in the severe group than in the mild group (11.4% vs 2.6%, p<0.01) and increased with age. Of the patients with severe TTS, 65.6% died within 7 days. Multivariable analysis showed that male sex (OR 1.22, p=0.03), higher Charlson scores (OR 1.11, p<0.01), comorbid pneumonia (OR 1.68, p<0.01), comorbid sepsis (OR 6.02, p<0.01) and ambulance use (OR 2.01, p<0.01) were associated with severe TTS.

Conclusions

The rate of severe TTS was 18.6% among 6169 patients registered in the Japanese nationwide database, and the 30-day mortality was higher in patients with severe TTS than in those with mild TTS (11.4% vs 2.6%).

Sex Hormone-Specific Neuroanatomy of Takotsubo Syndrome: Is the Insular Cortex a Moderator?

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), a transient form of dysfunction in the heart’s left ventricle, occurs predominantly in postmenopausal women who have emotional stress. Earlier studies support the concept that the human circulatory system is modulated by a cortical network (consisting of the anterior cingulate gyrus, amygdala, and insular cortex (Ic)) that plays a pivotal role in the central autonomic nervous system in relation to emotional stressors. The Ic plays a crucial role in the sympathovagal balance, and decreased levels of female sex hormones have been speculated to change functional cerebral asymmetry, with a possible link to autonomic instability. In this review, we focus on the Ic as an important moderator of the human brain–heart axis in association with sex hormones. We also summarize the current knowledge regarding the sex-specific neuroanatomy in TTS.

Gender Differences in the Circadian and Seasonal Variations in Patients with Takotsubo Syndrome: A Multicenter Registry at Eight University Hospitals in East Japan

Objective The aim of this study was to clarify the circadian and seasonal variations in addition to identify sex-based differences in Japanese patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Methods The authors conducted a retrospective observational study to analyse the differences between the groups based on sex. Patients The patients were registered out of each institute registry of the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) which contains a total of 10,622 cases in eight academic hospitals in east Japan. Results Data for 344 consecutive TTS (73 male and 271 female) were extracted from each hospital registry. In-hospital mortality was higher in the male group than in the female group (18% vs. 7%; p=0.005). With regard to the circadian variations in all study patients, TTS events occurred most often in the afternoon and least often during the night. Moreover, the patterns of circadian variations in the female and male groups were the same as that of all study patients. TTS events occurred most frequently in the autumn and least often in the spring in the whole study cohort. Moreover, the seasonal variation in the female group showed the same pattern as that of the whole cohort. However, there were no significant seasonal differences in the incidence of TTS in the male group. Conclusion In a multicenter study in Japan, seasonal variation was observed in the female group but not in the male group. Circadian variation was observed in both groups. These results suggested that the pathogenesis and clinical features of TTS might therefore differ according to sex.

Takotsubo Syndrome: Uncovering Myths and Misconceptions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) was described in Japan 3 decades ago to affect predominately postmenopausal women after emotional stress. This history is the basis of commonly held beliefs which may contribute to the underdiagnosis and misperception of TTS.

RECENT FINDINGS

TTS affects not only women, but can be present in both sexes, and can appear in children as well as in the elderly. TTS is characterized by unique clinical characteristics with morphological variants, and incurs a substantial risk for recurrent events and adverse outcomes. Physical triggers are more common than emotional triggers and are major disease determinants. TTS seems not to be completely transient as patients report ongoing chest pain, dyspnea, or fatigue even after months of the acute event. Knowledge of the clinical features and outcomes of TTS patients has evolved substantially over the past decades. The heterogeneous appearance of TTS needs to be recognized in all medical disciplines to maximize therapy and improve outcomes.

Examination of gender differences in patients with takotsubo syndrome according to left ventricular biopsy: two case reports

Background

Takotsubo syndrome is a stress-induced disease that makes up 23% of acute coronary syndrome cases. However, its onset mechanism remains unclear. Although females are overwhelmingly affected, males end up having more cardiac complications.

Case presentation

We examined the differences in stress responses in the myocardium between sexes in patients with takotsubo syndrome. We biopsied samples from an over 70-year-old Japanese male and an over 80-year-old Japanese female. Tissues from the left ventricle apex in the acute phase and the apical ballooning-type were examined using histopathology and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) microarray analysis. Our data showed that left ventricular ejection fractions were 38% and 56%, and peak creatinine kinase concentrations during hospitalization were 629U/L and 361U/L, for the male and female patient, respectively. The pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was 26mmHg and 11mmHg for the male and female patient, respectively. Negative T did not return to normal in the male subject after 6months. Histopathology results indicated that contraction band necrosis and lymphocyte infiltration were more common in the male subject.

Conclusions

We noticed that possible differences may exist between male and female patients using pathological examination and some DNA analyses. In particular, it may help treat acute severity in males. We will elucidate the mechanism of takotsubo syndrome development by increasing the number of samples to support the reliability of the data in the future.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13256-021-02856-9.

Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection on Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Outcomes in a Large Nationwide Sample

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) or stress-induced cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient wall-motion abnormalities often preceded by physical or emotional stress. Various baseline medical comorbidities were associated with worse outcomes, theoretically due to their effect on chronic stress exposure. The effect of concurrent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on outcomes of TCM has not been well-established.

METHODS/MATERIAL

We conducted a US-wide analysis of TCM hospitalizations from 2006 to 2014 by querying the National Inpatient Sample database for the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision TCM code, baseline characteristics, and inpatient outcomes. TCM patients with HIV were compared to TCM patients without HIV. Multivariate regression models were constructed to account for potential confounders.

RESULTS

We identified 123,050 patients hospitalized with TCM; of those patients, 304 had positive HIV status. In an unadjusted analysis, in-hospital outcomes were worse in TCM patients with HIV infection in terms of development of acute kidney injury (16.8% vs 33.3%, P-value 0.002), use of invasive mechanical ventilation (18.3% vs 34.5%, P-value 0.003), and mortality (5.3% vs 17.1%, P-value <0.0001). After adjusting for age, gender, and comorbidities, there was no significant difference in the captured outcomes.

CONCLUSION

TCM patients with concurrent HIV had numerically worse outcomes. After adjusting for potential confounders, the statistical significance no longer existed, suggesting that statistical difference was primarily driven by difference in baseline sociodemographic parameters and coexisting comorbidities.

Ethnic comparison in takotsubo syndrome: novel insights from the International Takotsubo Registry

Background

Ethnic disparities have been reported in cardiovascular disease. However, ethnic disparities in takotsubo syndrome (TTS) remain elusive. This study assessed differences in clinical characteristics between Japanese and European TTS patients and determined the impact of ethnicity on in-hospital outcomes.

Methods

TTS patients in Japan were enrolled from 10 hospitals and TTS patients in Europe were enrolled from 32 hospitals participating in the International Takotsubo Registry. Clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were compared between Japanese and European patients.

Results

A total of 503 Japanese and 1670 European patients were included. Japanese patients were older (72.6 ± 11.4 years vs. 68.0 ± 12.0 years; p < 0.001) and more likely to be male (18.5 vs. 8.4%; p < 0.001) than European TTS patients. Physical triggering factors were more common (45.5 vs. 32.0%; p < 0.001), and emotional triggers less common (17.5 vs. 31.5%; p < 0.001), in Japanese patients than in European patients. Japanese patients were more likely to experience cardiogenic shock during the acute phase (15.5 vs. 9.0%; p < 0.001) and had a higher in-hospital mortality (8.2 vs. 3.2%; p < 0.001). However, ethnicity itself did not appear to have an impact on in-hospital mortality. Machine learning approach revealed that the presence of physical stressors was the most important prognostic factor in both Japanese and European TTS patients.

Conclusion

Differences in clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes between Japanese and European TTS patients exist. Ethnicity does not impact the outcome in TTS patients. The worse in-hospital outcome in Japanese patients, is mainly driven by the higher prevalence of physical triggers.

Trial Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT01947621.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00392-021-01857-4.

Risk of in-hospital life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia or death after ST-elevation myocardial infarction vs. the Takotsubo syndrome

AIMS

The risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (LTVA) has been reported to be lower in Takotsubo syndrome (TS) compared with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the extent to which these differences relate to the fact that most patients with TS are women (who have a lower risk of LTVA) and a relatively larger proportion of patients with STEMI are men is incompletely understood. We aimed to investigate the risk of LTVA or death in sex-matched and age-matched patients with TS, anterior STEMI, and non-anterior STEMI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We systematically reviewed the charts of all patients with TS who were treated at Sahlgrenska University Hospital (Gothenburg, Sweden) between 2008 and 2019. A total of 155 patients with confirmed TS (according to the European Society of Cardiology diagnostic criteria for TS) were sex-matched and age-matched 1:1:1 to patients with anterior and non-anterior STEMI. Baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were recorded directly from the patient charts for all patients, and all admission electrocardiographs were analysed. The primary outcome was the composite of death or LTVA [defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia (>30 s) or ventricular fibrillation] within 72 h. The risk of LTVA or death within 72 h after admission was considerably lower in TS (2.6%) vs. anterior STEMI (14%; P = 0.002) and non-anterior STEMI (9.0%; P = 0.02), despite similar or greater risks of acute heart failure, and similar risks of cardiogenic shock. Compared with STEMI, TS was associated with a lower risk of sustained and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.

CONCLUSIONS

In a predominantly female age-matched and sex-matched cohort of patients with TS, anterior STEMI, and non-anterior STEMI, the adjusted risk of in-hospital LTVA or death was considerably lower in TS compared with STEMI, despite similar or greater risk of acute heart failure and similar risk of cardiogenic shock.

Systemic inflammation in patients with Takotsubo syndrome: a review of mechanistic and clinical implications

Over recent decades, systemic inflammation  as  quantified  with  inflammation  markers  or  indices has been extensively  investigated  in the setting of  various  cardiovascular  conditions  including heart failure (HF),  acute coronary syndromes (ACS). In contrast, systemic inflammation  in patients with  takotsubo syndrome (TTS) has been an underrated  phenomenon in clinical practice. On the other hand, experimental and clinical data  have been  rapidly  accumulating  in the recent years  regarding   pathogenetic, prognostic as well as therapeutic implications of  systemic inflammation in TTS.  Accordingly, the present article  aims to provide a general perspective  on mechanistic and  clinical aspects of  systemic  inflammation in the setting of  TTS.

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.

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.

Impact of body temperature at admission on inhospital outcomes in patients with takotsubo syndrome: insights from the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit Network Registry

Background:

Takotsubo syndrome occasionally occurs in patients with fever due to underlying diseases. However, the impact of body temperature on inhospital prognosis of patients with takotsubo syndrome remains unknown.

Methods:

Using the patient cohort in the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit Network Registry from 2013 to 2015, we identified 421 eligible patients whose data on body temperature at admission were available and classified them into three groups: high body temperature group (≥37.5°C; n=27), normal body temperature group (36.0–37.4°C; n=319), and low body temperature group (≤35.9°C; n=75). We compared the patient characteristics and inhospital outcomes among the three groups.

Results:

On admission, the high body temperature group showed a higher proportion of men and preceding physical triggers, higher heart and respiratory rates, and higher C-reactive protein level than the other groups. Inhospital all-cause mortality was significantly higher in the high body temperature group than in the normal or low body temperature group (18.5% vs. 2.2% vs. 4.0%, respectively, P&lt;0.001). Both cardiac mortality (11.1% vs. 1.3% vs. 1.3%, P=0.001) and non-cardiac mortality (7.4% vs. 0.9% vs. 2.7%, P=0.031) were also significantly higher in the high body temperature group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that high body temperature (reference: normal body temperature) was significantly associated with higher inhospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 4.22; 95% confidence interval 1.15–15.51; P=0.030).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that high body temperature at admission is a strong predictor of inhospital mortality in patients with takotsubo syndrome. Febrile takotsubo syndrome patients may need to be managed with recognition of life-threatening conditions from the time of diagnosis, no matter what the causes of fever are.

Role of Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Takotsubo Syndrome: The Psychiatric Side of Broken Heart

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also called broken heart syndrome, is an acute and transient cardiac wall motion abnormality of the left ventricle. The patient prototype is a post-menopausal woman with myocardial infarction-like symptoms (angina pectoris, breathlessness, palpitations, etc.) who has experienced sudden emotional or physical stress. Although prognosis is generally considered relatively benign, both complications and recurrence rates are not insignificant. Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying TTS are not entirely understood, but the sympathetic system over-activity has a leading role. Moreover, since emotional stress frequently triggers TTS and since precedent diagnosis of psychiatric disorders sometimes coexists, the psychological response to stress could be another potential therapeutic target. Indeed, this article aims to explore the association between underlying depression and anxiety disorders and TTS, as well as to find ideal therapeutic options useful to treat and prevent TTS. Thus in our review, we considered case reports, case-control studies, and review articles from PubMed. Papers dealing with Takotsubo syndrome and anxiety disorder or depression were selected. We included papers published since 2010 and whose abstract was in English. We concluded that anxiety disorders, but not depression, are associated with a higher occurrence of TTS. There is a link between anxiety, TTS, and inflammation leading to increased sympathetic activity. Nevertheless, patients with pre-admission psychiatric disorders have a higher risk of recurrent TTS. Importantly, the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) could be a potential therapeutic aid in preventing TTS's recurrence in selected patients.

Atrial arrhythmias in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: incidence, predictive factors, and prognosis

Aims

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a stress-related transient cardiomyopathy. It is unclear whether TTC is associated with poorer prognosis when atrial arrhythmia (AA), atrial fibrillation or flutter, occurs. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of AA in patients with TTC, predictive factors of AA, and its association with mortality.

Methods and results

We studied 214 consecutive cases of TTC over 8 years. The study cohort was divided into two groups-those with newly diagnosed AA (AA-group) and those without (non-AA group). AA occurred in 24.8% of the patients. The AA group presented with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on admission and higher cardiac arrest rate. Admission and peak levels of troponin, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and leucocytes were higher in the AA group. In-hospital, 30-day, cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality were significantly higher in the AA group. Independent predictors of newly diagnosed AA were troponin peak [odds ratio (OR) 1.03 (1.003-1.06); P = 0.029], CRP peak [OR 1.006 (1.001-1.01); P = 0.026], and LVEF on admission [OR 0.96 (0.93-0.99); P = 0.01]. Newly diagnosed AA was not predictive of mortality. The BNP peak [OR 1.00 (1.000-1.001); P = 0.022] and leucocytes peak [OR 1.095 (1.034-1.16); P = 0.002] were predictive factors of in-hospital mortality. LVEF upon discharge [OR 0.935 (0.899-0.972); P = 0.001] and leucocytes peak [OR 1.068 (1.000-1.139); P = 0.049] were predictive of cardiovascular death.

Conclusion

Newly diagnosed AA is frequently observed in patients presenting with TTC and is associated with poorer short- and long-term prognosis. Inflammation, myocardial damage, and LVEF are predictors of AA onset and cardiovascular mortality.

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio predicts in-hospital complications in Takotsubo syndrome. Results from a prospective multi-center registry

Background

Several hematological indices including subtypes of leukocytes populations have been associated with cardiovascular outcome. Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a form of acute heart failure syndrome featured by several in‐hospital complications (IHCs).

Hypothesis

Hematological indices at admission may predict IHCs in TTS patients.

Methods

One hundred and sixty consecutive patients with TTS were enrolled in a multicenter prospective registry. Clinical data, admission hemogram, and IHCs were recorded.

Results

Incidence of IHCs was 37%, including pulmonary edema 9%, cardiogenic shock 9%, need of invasive ventilation 10%, death 8%, stroke 2.5%, and left ventricular thrombi 6%.

Patients with IHCs were older, more frequently male, with physical stressor‐induced TTS, lower left ventricular ejection fraction at admission. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLr) (12 ± 12 vs 7 ± 8, P = .002) and white blood cells/mean platelet volume ratio (1.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.0 ± 0.5, P = .03) at admission were significantly higher in patients with IHCs.

NLr values were predictor of IHCs (Odds ratios [OR] 1.07, 95% CI 1.03‐1.11, P < .01). When stratified according to NLr into tertiles, the rate of IHCs was from first to third tertile was, respectively, 22%, 31%, and 58%. NLr values in the higher tertile were independent predictors of IHCs even at multivariate analysis (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5‐9.4, P < .01).

NLr values higher than 5 were able to predict IHCs with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 58%; negative predictive power was 84% (area under the ROC curve 0.73).

Conclusions

NLr is an independent predictor of IHCs in patients admitted with TTS. Admission hemogram may represent a potential tool for prediction of IHCs in TTS.

Assessment of the German and Italian Stress Cardiomyopathy Score for Risk Stratification for In-hospital Complications in Patients With Takotsubo Syndrome

Importance

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute, reversible heart failure syndrome featured by significant rates of in-hospital complications. There is a lack of data for risk stratification during hospitalization.

Objective

To derive a simple clinical score for risk prediction of in-hospital complications among patients with TTS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this prognostic study, 1007 consecutive patients were enrolled in the German and Italian Stress Cardiomyopathy (GEIST) registry from July 1, 2007, through December 31, 2017, and identified as the derivation cohort; 946 patients were enrolled in the Spanish Registry for Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (RETAKO) as the external score validation. An admission risk score was developed using a stepwise multivariable regression analysis from 2 registries. Data analysis was performed from March 1, 2018, through July 31, 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

In-hospital complications were defined as death, pulmonary edema, need for invasive ventilation, and cardiogenic shock. Four variables were identified as independent predictors of in-hospital complications and were used for the score: male sex, history of neurologic disorder, right ventricular involvement, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Results

Of the 1007 patients enrolled in the GEIST registry, 107 (10.6%) were male, with mean (SD) age of 69.8 (11.4) years. Overall rate of in-hospital complications was 23.3% (235 of 1007) (death, 4.0%; pulmonary edema, 5.8%; invasive ventilation, 6.4%; and cardiogenic shock, 9.1%). The GEIST prognosis score was derived by providing 20 points each for male sex and history of neurologic disorders and 30 points for right ventricular involvement and then subtracting the value in percent of LVEF (decimal values between 0.15 and 0.70). Score accuracy on area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 0.71, with a negative predictive power of 87% with scores less than 20. External validation in the RETAKO population (124 [13.1%] male; mean [SD] age, 69.5 [14.9] years) revealed an area under the curve of 0.73 (P = .46 vs GEIST derivation cohort). Stratification into 3 risk groups (<20, 20-40, and >40 points) classified 316 patients (40.9%) as having low risk; 342 (44.3%) as having intermediate risk, and 114 (14.8%) as having high risk of complications. The observed in-hospital complication rates were 12.7% for low-risk patients, 23.4% for intermediate-risk patients, and 58.8% for high-risk patients (P < .001 for trend). After 2.6 years of follow-up, patients with in-hospital complications had significantly higher rates of mortality than those without complications (40% vs 10%, P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

The GEIST prognostic score may be useful in early risk stratification for TTS. High-risk patients with TTS may require an intensive care unit stay, and low-risk patients with TTS could be discharged within a few days. In-hospital complications in patients with TTS may be associated with increased risk of long-term mortality.

Racial differences in takotsubo cardiomyopathy outcomes in a large nationwide sample

Aims

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is characterized by transient ventricular impairment, often preceded by emotional or physical stress. Racial differences affect the outcomes of several cardiovascular conditions; however, the effect of race on TC remains unknown. This investigation aims to assess the effect of race on in‐hospital outcomes of TC in a large national sample.

Methods and results

We conducted a US‐wide analysis of TC hospitalizations from 2006 to 2014 by querying the National Inpatient Sample database for the International Classification of Diseases‐ninth Revision TC code, characteristics, and inpatient outcomes. Patients with a primary diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome were excluded to reduce selection bias. Caucasians were compared with African Americans (AA) for differences in baseline characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes. Multivariate regression models were created to adjust for potential confounders. Of 97 650 TC patients, 83 807 (86.9%) were women, 89 624 (91.8%) identified as Caucasians, and 8026 (8.2%) as AA. The annual number of TC hospitalizations increased significantly from 2006 to 2014 in both races (from 335 to 21 265 annual cases, P < 0.001). In‐hospital mortality initially increased (1–2% in 2006 to 5–6% in 2009, P < 0.001) and subsequently remained relatively stable around 5–7% with no significant difference between races. In unadjusted analysis, AA had more cardiac arrests [304 (3.8%) vs. 2569 (2.9%), P = 0.04], invasive mechanical ventilation [1671 (20.8%) vs. 15 897 (17.7%), P = 0.002], tracheostomies [242 (3%) vs. 1600 (1.8%), P = 0.001], acute kidney injuries [1765 (22%) vs. 14 608 (16.3%), P < 0.0001], and longer hospital stays [4.5 (3.2–4.8) vs. 3.8 (3.7–3.9) days, P < 0.0001] compared with Caucasians. After the adjustment for differences in age, gender, comorbidities (using the enhanced Charlson comorbidity index), hospital location/teaching status, and socio‐economic factors, all differences were significantly attenuated or eliminated. Additionally, the adjusted risk was lower in AA compared with Caucasians, for cardiogenic shock [odds ratio (OR) 0.61 (0.47–0.78), P < 0.0001], mechanical ventilation [OR 0.8 (0.70–0.92), P = 0.002] and intraaortic balloon pump insertion [OR 0.63 (0.41–0.99), P = 0.04].

Conclusions

Our investigation is the first large US‐wide analysis studying racial variations in TC outcomes. AA overall have more in‐hospital complications; however, the differences are driven by racial disparities in demographics, comorbidities, and socio‐economic factors.

The Great Myocardial Mimic - Takotsubo Syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome has been traditionally considered a reversible form of acute heart failure triggered by an emotional or physical stressor, mainly occurring in women of post-menopausal age and often mimicking an acute coronary syndrome. While its pathophysiology is still incompletely understood, sympathetic overstimulation is known to play a central role in the disease. The classical hallmark of the condition was the presence of wall motion abnormalities limited to the apical segments of the ventricle, leading to the so-called apical ballooning, but different patterns of wall motion abnormalities are nowadays recognised. Different definitions and diagnostic criteria for takotsubo syndrome were proposed during the last decades, reflecting the heterogeneity of the condition and the gaps in the thorough understanding of the disease. While initially it was believed to be a benign entity, takotsubo syndrome has in fact similar morbidity and mortality with acute coronary syndromes, both on short- and long-term, highlighting the importance of proper risk stratification. Many questions still remain unanswered concerning the pathophysiology of the syndrome and the optimal therapeutic strategy for these patients.

Atrial mechanics and their prognostic impact in Takotsubo syndrome: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging study

Aims

The exact pathophysiology of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) remains not fully understood with most studies focussing on ventricular pathology. Since atrial involvement may have a significant role, we assessed the diagnostic and prognostic potential of atrial cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) in TTS.

Methods and results

This multicentre study recruited 152 TTS patients who underwent CMR on average within 3 days after hospitalization. Reservoir [total strain εs and peak positive strain rate (SR) SRs], conduit (passive strain εe and peak early negative SRe), and booster pump function (active strain εa and peak late negative SRa) were assessed in a core laboratory. Results were compared with 21 control patients with normal biventricular function. A total of 20 patients underwent follow-up CMR (median 3.5 months, interquartile range 3–5). All patients were approached for general follow-up. Left atrial (LA) but not right atrial (RA) reservoir and conduit function were impaired during the acute phase (εs: P = 0.043, εe: P < 0.001, SRe: P = 0.047 vs. controls) and recovered until follow-up (εs: P < 0.001, SRs: P = 0.04, εe: P = 0.001, SRe: P = 0.04). LA and RA booster pump function were increased in the acute setting (LA-εa: P = 0.045, SRa: P = 0.002 and RA-εa: P = 0.004, SRa: P = 0.002 vs. controls). LA-εs predicted mortality [hazard ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.20; P = 0.037] irrespectively of established cardiovascular risk factors (P = 0.019, multivariate analysis) including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (area under the curve 0.71, 95% CI 0.55–0.86, P = 0.048).

Conclusion

TTS pathophysiology comprises transient impairments in LA reservoir and conduit functions and enhanced bi-atrial active booster pump functions. Atrial CMR-FT may evolve as a superior marker of adverse events over and above established parameters such as LVEF and atrial volume.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after an upper and lower endoscopy: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal endoscopies are safe and follow guidelines that emphasize patient care. Although adverse outcomes are rare, high-risk patients may be predisposed to certain events.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a unique case of a Caucasian woman with takotsubo cardiomyopathy following an upper and lower endoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our report suggests the importance of understanding possible endoscopic complications in patients who may experience stress cardiomyopathy.

Distinct Incidence of Takotsubo Syndrome Between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Synucleinopathies: A Cohort Study

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute cardiac syndrome characterized by regional left ventricular dysfunction with a peculiar circumferential pattern, which typically results in apical ballooning. Evidence indicates a pivotal role of catecholamines in TTS, and researchers have discussed multiple hypotheses on the etiology, including multivessel coronary spasm, myocardial stunning, excessive transient ventricular afterload, and cardiac sympathetic overactivity with local noradrenaline spillover. Although central nervous system disorders, such as stroke and epilepsy, are known to trigger TTS, the incidence and clinical features of TTS in neurodegenerative disorders are poorly understood. Here, we retrospectively examined TTS cases in a single-center cohort composed of 250 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 870 patients with synucleinopathies [582 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), 125 patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and 163 patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA)] and identified 4 (1.6%, including 2 women) cases with ALS and no cases with synucleinopathies. Two ALS patients underwent autopsy and the pathological findings were compatible with the chronological changes identified in catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy. A literature review identified 16 TTS cases with ALS, 1 case each with PD and DLB, and no cases with MSA. When current and previous TTS cases with ALS were concatenated: 55% (11/20) were female; 35% (7/20) had a bulbar-onset and 45% (9/20) had a limb-onset; the mean age of TTS onset was 63.3 ± 9.0 years and the mean interval time from ALS onset to TTS development was 4.9 ± 3.0 years; no (0/16) patients developed TTS within 12 months after ALS onset; 50% (10/20) underwent artificial ventilations; the mortality was 17% (3/18); and most cases had precipitating factors, and TTS development was associated with gastrostomy, tracheostomy, or infections in 45% (9/20) of the patients. This study demonstrated that ALS is a considerable predisposing factor of TTS and that synucleinopathies rarely cause TTS. The distinct TTS incidence between ALS and synucleinopathies may be due to cardiac sympathetic overactivity in ALS and may also be affected by cardiac sympathetic denervation in synucleinopathies. Moreover, the etiology of TTS in ALS may be reasonably explained by the two-hit theory.

Temporal changes within mechanical dyssynchrony and rotational mechanics in Takotsubo syndrome: A cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging study

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiological significance of dyssynchrony and rotation in Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is unknown. We aimed to define the influence of cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) dyssynchrony and rotational mechanics in acute and during clinical course of TTS.

METHODS

This multicenter study included 152 TTS patients undergoing CMR (mean 3 days after symptom onset). Apical, midventricular and basal short axis views were analysed in a core-laboratory. Systolic torsion, diastolic recoil and dyssynchrony expressed as circumferential and radial uniformity ratio estimates (CURE and RURE: 0 to 1; 1 = perfect synchrony) were compared to a matched control group (n = 21). Follow-up CMR (n = 20 patients; mean 62 days, SD 7.2) and general follow-up (n = 136; mean 3.3 years, SD 2.4) were performed.

RESULTS

CURE was initially reduced compared to controls (p = 0.001) and recovered at follow-up (p < 0.001) as opposed to RURE (p = 0.116 and p = 0.179). CURE and RURE discriminated between ballooning patterns (p = 0.001 and p = 0.045). Recoil was generally impaired during the acute phase (p = 0.015), torsion only in highly dyssynchronous patients (p = 0.024). Diabetes (p = 0.007), physical triggers (p = 0.013) and malignancies (p = 0.001) predicted mortality. The latter showed a distinct association with impaired torsion (p = 0.042) and dyssynchrony (p = 0.047). Physical triggers and malignancies were related to biventricular impairment (p = 0.004 and p = 0.026), showing higher dyssynchrony (p < 0.01), greater reduction of left ventricular function (p < 0.001) and a strong trend towards increased mortality (p = 0.074).

CONCLUSION

Transient circumferential dyssynchrony and impaired rotational mechanics are distinct features of TTS with different severities according to the pattern of ballooning. Patients with malignancies and precipitating physical triggers frequently show biventricular affection, greater dyssynchrony and high mortality risk.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of South-East Asian patients with Takotsubo (stress-induced) cardiomyopathy

Background

There is limited data on the natural history of Takotsubo (stress-induced) cardiomyopathy in South-East Asian patients. We aim to evaluate the clinical characteristics, predisposing factors and outcomes of patients diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in our region.

Methods

From January 2010 to March 2017, 98 patients were diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in our institution. Data were collected retrospectively on baseline clinical characteristics, presenting symptoms, precipitating factors, clinical investigations and in-hospital clinical outcomes.

Results

82% of the patients were female. An antecedent physical stressor was more common than emotional trigger with 35% of patients having no identifiable stressor. The most common presenting symptoms were chest pain (53.1%), dyspnea (45%) and diaphoresis (18.5%).

The apical variant (89%) was the most common form of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy followed by the mid-ventricular type (5.1%). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 35 ± 11%.

In-hospital mortality due to cardiovascular causes was 4.1%. 38% of patients developed in-hospital complications. By multi-variable analysis, lower left ventricular function was an independent predictor of in-hospital complication.

Conclusion

South-East Asian patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy are characterised by female predominance, higher incidence of physical triggers and low cardiovascular mortality. Lower left ventricular function was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes.

[What is the risk of Takotsubo in women?]

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy preferentially affects postmenopausal women (# 90%). Takotsubo cardiomyopathy mimics an acute coronary syndrome and is defined as a transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on the criteria of the Mayo Clinic. Stress is found in around 80% of cases: physical stress, emotional stress, medical stress. Physical stress is less found in women. Incidence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is 54.9/1,000,000 inhabitants in women versus only 3.6/1,000,000 inhabitants in men. Diagnosis is based on electrocardiogram, biomarkers, echocardiography, coronary angiography and left ventricular angiography, and cardiac magnetic imaging. The complete recovery of left ventricular systolic function must be assessed, allowing to confirm the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Takotsubo Syndrome: Contemporary Views on the Pathogenesis, Prevalence and Prognosis

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a reversible left ventricular dysfunction characterized by local apical hypokinesia usually triggered by a physical or emotional stress. According to the last available data TTS may represent 2% of all admissions for acute coronary syndromes. Despite the reliable prevalence, diagnosis of TTS remains difficult. The initial presentation, both clinically and electrocardiographically, is similar to an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The biomarker profile is also similar, although the peaks of troponin and creatinine kinase levels are lower, and brain natriuretic peptide levels are higher in patients with TTS compared with ST-segment elevation AMI. Modified Mayo diagnostic criteria are the most common for the diagnosis. Pathogenesis of TTS currently is not well understood. Catecholamines appear to play a central role in the pathophysiology of TTS. However, it is conceivable that some people have a genetic predisposition to stress-induced TTS. A genetic predisposition has been suggested based on the few familial TTS cases described. Despite reversible myocardial dysfunction, acute heart failure is the most common complication in the acute phase of TTS. In-hospital mortality rate is comparable to that of ST-segment elevation AMI. There are no randomized clinical trials to support specific treatment recommendations in TTS. It is believed that the tactics of managing patients with TTS hospitalized with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome should comply with the protocol of management of patients with AMI while acute coronary pathology is not excluded.

Ventricular arrhythmias in patients with Takotsubo syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a unique nonischemic cardiac disease characterized by acute myocardial dysfunction of the left and/or right ventricle. Patients are predominantly postmenopausal women and usually present with symptoms indistinguishable from acute coronary syndrome. Although the exact pathomechanisms of TTS remain elusive, increasing evidence suggests that sympathetic overdrive and catecholamine excess might play a central role. Despite the complete recovery of ventricular dysfunction within several days to weeks, patients with TTS exhibit considerable short- and long-term mortality rates and ventricular arrhythmias have been identified as key contributor to morbidity and mortality. This article summarizes the prevalence, underlying mechanisms, therapeutic strategies, and prognostic implications of ventricular arrhythmias in TTS. Furthermore, the need for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators is discussed in view of the transient character of the disease.

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.

Novel Understanding of Takotsubo Syndrome

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is described as a transient reversible cardiomyopathy which typically occurs in older women after emotional or physical stress. This cardiomyopathy is also recognized as a "syndrome" because it develops in conjunction with various diseases. Since the clinical presentation of takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is similar to acute coronary syndrome (ACS), TTS should be distinguished from ischemic heart disease. Although the pathophysiology of TTS has not well been established, a number of its specific features have been suggested. The predictor of mortality in TTS is still unknown. In this review article, we describe a series of treatment decisions in TTS.

Gender Differences in Clinical Profiles of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Background

Although stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SCMP) is reported to be more common in women, little is known about gender differences in patients with SCMP. The aim of the study was to describe clinical features of patients with SCMP according to gender.

Methods

One hundred and three patients diagnosed with definite SCMP at a single tertiary institute from January 1997 to August 2014 were enrolled. SCMP was more common in women than in men.

Results

Age at presentation was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.758). Preceding physical stress, especially acute medical illness, was more common in male patients (p = 0.014), whereas emotional stress was more common in female patients (p = 0.016). Severity of medical illness classified by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score at the time of SCMP diagnosis was not significantly different between men and women (p = 0.752). Clinical characteristics, including symptoms, laboratory and electrocardiographic findings, were similar. However, pump failure was more severe in men (p = 0.024). Clinical outcomes were not statistically different (p = 0.220). Preceding physical stress and lower left ventricular systolic function after 2 months were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality for both genders. Women with an APACHE II score ≥ 15 and men with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction after 2 months had a greater risk of poor prognosis.

Conclusion

SCMP was more common in female patients. Female patients more commonly experienced preceding emotional stress, whereas physical stress was more common in male patients. Systolic dysfunction was more severe in men. Long-term clinical outcomes appeared to be similar between men and women.