Impact of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation on all-cause mortality among patients with Takotsubo syndrome complicated by cardiogenic shock: results from the German-Italian-Spanish (GEIST) registry

Cardiogenic shock in takotsubo syndrome: etiology and treatment

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) can mimic acute coronary syndrome despite being a distinct disease. While typically benign, TTS can lead to serious complications like cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock occurs in 1-20% of TTS cases. Various mechanisms can cause shock, including pump failure, right ventricular involvement, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and acute mitral regurgitation. Because treatment depends on the mechanism, early identification of the mechanism developing cardiogenic shock is essential for optimal treatment and improved outcomes in TTS patients with cardiogenic shock. This review summarizes current knowledge on causes and treatment of cardiogenic shock in patients with TTS.

Peripartum Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Review and Insights from a National Registry

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) during the peripartum period is a relevant cause of morbidity in this population; its clinical course and prognosis, compared to the general TTS population, is yet to be elucidated. Our aim was to analyze the clinical features and prognosis of peripartum TTS in a nationwide prospective specifically oriented registry database and consider the published literature. Peripartum TTS patients from the prospective nationwide RETAKO registry-as well as peripartum TTS patients from the published literature-were included, and multiple comparisons between groups were performed in order to assess for statistically and clinically relevant prognostic differences between the groups. Patients with peripartum TTS exhibit a higher prevalence of secondary forms, dyspnea, atypical symptoms, and echocardiographic patterns, as well as less ST-segment elevation than the general TTS population. In the literature, patients with peripartum TTS had a higher Killip status on admission. TTS during the peripartum period has a higher prevalence of angina and dyspnea, as well as physical triggers, neither of which are related to a worse prognosis. Killip status on admission was higher in the literature for patients with TTS but with excellent mid- and long-term prognoses after the acute phase, despite mostly being secondary forms.

Mechanical Circulatory Support Strategies in Takotsubo Syndrome with Cardiogenic Shock: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo syndrome is, by definition, a reversible form of acute heart failure. If cardiac output is severely reduced, Takotsubo syndrome can cause cardiogenic shock, and mechanical circulatory support can serve as a bridge to recovery. To date, there are no recommendations on when to use mechanical circulatory support and on which device is particularly effective in this context. Our aim was to determine the best treatment strategy.

METHODS

A systematic literature research and analysis of individual patient data was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed according to PRISMA guidelines. Our research considered original works published until 31 July 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 93 publications that met the inclusion criteria were identified, providing individual data from 124 patients. Of these, 62 (50%) were treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (va-ECLS), and 44 (35.5%) received a microaxial left ventricular assist device (Impella). Eighteen patients received an Impella CP and twenty-one an Impella 2.5. An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) without other devices was used in only 13 patients (10.5%), while other devices (BiVAD or Tandem Heart) were used in 5 patients (4%). The median initial left ventricular ejection fraction was 20%, with no difference between the four device groups except for the IABP group, which was less affected by cardiac output failure (p = 0.015). The overall survival was 86.3%. Compared to the other groups, the time to cardiac recovery was shorter with Impella (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Though the Impella treatment is new, our analysis may show a significant benefit of Impella compared to other MCS strategies for cardiogenic shock in Takotsubo syndrome.