Stress-induced cardiomyopathy: the role of echocardiography

Volvulus is Stressful: Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy Secondary to Gastric Volvulus and Paraesophageal Hernia

Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SCM) is a cardiac systolic dysfunction caused by various stressful triggers. It is often transient and reversible upon the reversal of the underlying stressor. We present the case of a 70-year-old female with SCM in the setting of gastric volvulus and incarcerated para-esophageal hernia.

Recent technologies in cardiac imaging

Cardiac imaging allows physicians to view the structure and function of the heart to detect various heart abnormalities, ranging from inefficiencies in contraction, regulation of volumetric input and output of blood, deficits in valve function and structure, accumulation of plaque in arteries, and more. Commonly used cardiovascular imaging techniques include x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), echocardiogram, and positron emission tomography (PET)/single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). More recently, even more tools are at our disposal for investigating the heart's physiology, performance, structure, and function due to technological advancements. This review study summarizes cardiac imaging techniques with a particular interest in MRI and CT, noting each tool's origin, benefits, downfalls, clinical application, and advancement of cardiac imaging in the near future.

Stress cardiomyopathy in critical care: A case series of 109 patients

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients are at risk of developing stress cardiomyopathy (SC) but can be under-recognized.

AIM

To describe a case series of patients with SC admitted to critical care units.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study at a tertiary care teaching hospital. All adult (≥ 18 years old) patients admitted to the critical care units with stress cardiomyopathy over 5 years were included.

RESULTS

Of 24279 admissions to the critical care units [19139 to medical-surgical intensive care units (MSICUs) and 5140 in coronary care units (CCUs)], 109 patients with SC were identified. Sixty (55%) were admitted to the coronary care units (CCUs) and forty-nine (45%) to the medical-surgical units (MSICUs). The overall incidence of SC was 0.44%, incidence in CCU and MSICU was 1.16% and 0.25% respectively. Sixty-two (57%) had confirmed SC and underwent cardiac catheterization whereas 47 (43%) had clinical SC, and did not undergo cardiac catheterization. Forty-three (72%) patients in the CCUs were diagnosed with primary SC, whereas all (100%) patients in MSICUs developed secondary SC. Acute respiratory failure that required invasive mechanical ventilation and shock developed in twenty-nine (59%) MSICU patients. There were no statistically significant differences in intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, in-hospital mortality, use of inotropic or mechanical circulatory support based on type of unit or anatomical variant.

CONCLUSION

Stress cardiomyopathy can be under-recognized in the critical care setting. Intensivists should have a high index of suspicion for SC in patients who develop sudden or worsening unexplained hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias or respiratory failure in ICU.

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

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

Sclerotherapy Induced Takotsubo Syndrome

A 66-year-old female was brought to the emergency department for acute-onset left-sided chest pain. Prior to arrival, she was at an outpatient appointment with a vascular surgeon for elective sclerotherapy treatment of her lower extremity varicose veins. After receiving an IV injection of polidocanol, she developed severe chest pain with left arm and jaw numbness for the first time in her life. Upon arrival to the ED, the patient reported that her symptoms had resolved. Electrocardiogram (ECG) on presentation was significant for T-wave inversions in leads V1-V3. An initial set of cardiac enzymes showed a troponin I level of 0.62 ng/mL, which subsequently increased to 2.26 ng/mL. Her echocardiogram was significant for mild left ventricular systolic dysfunction with apical hypokinesis (ejection fraction 50%). A repeat ECG showed new T-wave inversions compared to that from the time of admission. The patient eventually agreed to cardiac catheterization, which revealed patent vessels without coronary artery disease, supporting our diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome and what is the first reported case of likely polidocanol-induced Takotsubo syndrome in the United States.

Traumatic Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a Patient with Extensive Coronary Artery Disease

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TCM) should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with cardiovascular symptoms not only following emotional trauma but also following motor vehicle accidents. A 45-year-old woman presented with chest pain following a motor vehicle accident. While she had an elevated troponin level and an extensive history of cardiac disease, her electrocardiogram was normal. Echocardiogram, however, demonstrated transiently reduced left ventricular systolic function with mid to apical hypokinesis consistent with TCM. We emphasize the use of a diagnostic score and point of care focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) to expedite the recognition, evaluation, and treatment of suspected TCM in an Emergency Department setting.

Intraventricular thrombus and severe mitral regurgitation in the acute phase of takotsubo cardiomyopathy: two case reports

Background

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by chest symptoms, electrocardiographic changes, and new regional wall motion abnormality in the apical segment of the left ventricle in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Particularly, apical ballooning is broadly recognized as the classic form of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Although the prognosis of most patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy is generally favorable, complications associated with the morphological features of transient apical ballooning are not uncommon.

Case presentation

We describe two cases of transient complications in postmenopausal patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Intraventricular thrombus was observed in Asian patient 1, and severe mitral regurgitation was observed in Asian patient 2. These complications were confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography immediately after typical takotsubo cardiomyopathy with apical ballooning was diagnosed. Anticoagulant therapy with heparin and warfarin was continued for 1 week in patient 1. After the therapy, complete resolution of the apical thrombus and recovery of systolic function of the left ventricle was observed by follow-up transthoracic echocardiography. In patient 2, transthoracic echocardiography indicated significant mitral regurgitation, which was caused by left ventricular tethering of the anterior mitral leaflet rather than left ventricular outflow tract obstruction or systolic anterior motion. Because the hemodynamic stability in patient 2 had been preserved, she was managed with conservative treatment. After approximately 1 month, follow-up transthoracic echocardiography revealed that mitral regurgitation had almost disappeared with complete resolution of left ventricular wall motion abnormalities.

Conclusions

The presented cases indicated that important complications, such as intraventricular thrombus and severe mitral regurgitation, are associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the acute phase. Because these complications are risk factors for developing a thromboembolic event or heart failure and/or pulmonary edema, timely and accurate identification of these complications is critical to achieving optimal clinical outcomes in patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a man with no trigger and multiple cardioembolic complications-A rare constellation

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TC) is an uncommon, transient, reversible cardiomyopathy, with a classic pattern of wall-motion abnormalities, usually seen in women after an emotional stressor. Despite its increased recognition, there remain gaps in the exact mechanisms, predisposing factors, and predictors of recovery; this is particularly true for males where the condition occurs far less frequently than in females. TC typically resolves within weeks, and the prognosis is favorable compared to acute coronary syndromes. Nonetheless, about 1% of cases may be complicated by left ventricular (LV) thrombus and embolism. Herein we describe an atypical case of a man with no obvious trigger, who developed TC with left ventricular thrombus and multiple embolic complications, but subsequently showed complete and full resolution. Multimodality imaging including echocardiography, cardiac CT and cardiac MRI was instrumental in this diagnostic dilemma, as well as useful in guiding treatment options and informing prognosis.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: queries of the current era

: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTS), also known as left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, is an acute, usually reversible heart failure syndrome that most often affects postmenopausal women experiencing an emotionally stressful event. It is characterized by sudden left ventricular dysfunction and wall motion abnormalities involving the apical and mid segments. TTS has been increasingly recognized in recent years, and more and more information about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these patients has been reported. However, much is still unknown. TTS has a wide variety of clinical subtypes and has been described in several clinical contexts. Moreover, TTS simulates ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and acute myocarditis, and it can be difficult to obtain a certain diagnosis. As a result, clinical decisions are challenging, and many patients currently receive an inappropriate management strategy. The aim of this review is to critically analyze the evidence about this disease reported in the literature, with particular focus on the pathophysiological processes, the diagnostic elements that can help the clinician differentiate it from other diseases, and the best management of these patients.

Left ventricular ejection fraction as therapeutic target: is it the ideal marker?

Heart failure (HF) consists the fastest growing clinical cardiac disease. HF patients are categorized on the basis of underlying left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) into HF with preserved EF (HFpEF), reduced LVEF (HFrEF), and mid-range LVEF (HFmrEF). While LVEF is the most commonly used surrogate marker of left ventricular (LV) systolic function, the implementation of two-dimensional echocardiography in estimating this parameter imposes certain caveats on current HF classification. Most importantly, LVEF could fluctuate in repeated measurements or even recover after treatment, thus blunting the borders between proposed categories of HF and enabling upward classification of patients. Under this prism, we sought to summarize possible procedures to improve systolic function in patients with HFrEF either naturally or by the means of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment and devices. Therefore, we reviewed established pharmacotherapy, including beta-blockers, inhibitors of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis, statins, and digoxin as well as novel treatments like sacubitril-valsartan, ranolazine, and ivabradine. In addition, we assessed evidence in favor of cardiac resynchronization therapy and exercise training programs. Finally, innovative therapeutic strategies, including stem cells, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, antibiotic regimens, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, were also taken into consideration. We concluded that LVEF is subject to changes in HF after intervention and besides the aforementioned HFrEF, HFpEF, and HFmrEF categories, a new entity of HF patients with recovered LVEF should be acknowledged. An improved global and refined LV function assessment by sophisticated imaging modalities and circulating biomarkers is expected to render HF classification more accurate and indicate patients with viable-yet dysfunctional-myocardium and favorable characteristics as the ideal candidates for LVEF recovery by individualized HF therapy.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy with Basal Hypertrophy and outflow obstruction in a patient with bowel ischemia

Basal septal hypertrophy is a rare and unique anatomical finding associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). It is also described as a sigmoid hypertrophy and is linked with aging and chronic hypertension. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a transient cardiomyopathy that occurs during periods of high physical or emotional stress. Its occurrence with HCM is relatively common; however, this presentation occurs more often with the classic asymmetrical septal hypertrophy or the apical variant. This case demonstrates its coexistence with isolated sigmoid hypertrophy in an elderly, hypertensive female with severe ischemic bowel disease.

Takotsubo syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome is a reversible acute heart failure frequently precipitated by an emotional or physical stress. The clinical presentation resembles acute coronary syndrome. Pathogenesis is complex and may involve brain-heart axis and neuro-hormonal stunning of the myocardium. Coronary angiography reveals normal epicardial arteries with no obstruction or spasm. NT-ProBNP maybe remarkably elevated. Regional wall motion akinesia (RWMA) of left ventricle extends beyond the territory of one coronary artery. Reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and RWMA recover in 6-12 weeks. Prognosis is generally good. Recent meta-analysis shows in-hospital mortality of 1-4.5% and recurrence rate of 5-10% during five year follow-up.

Functional recovery of regional myocardial deformation in patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is acute, but completely reversible in the absence of significant coronary artery disease. This study aims to assess the functional recovery of regional myocardial deformation in patients with TC using 2-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients diagnosed with TC (mean age 63 years, 26 female) prospectively underwent serial 2D echocardiography on day 1 (initial presentation), day 4 [the middle, interquartile range (IQR), 2-5 days], and day 21 (recovery, IQR 13-32 days). Twenty-one (64%) patients showed classical type of TC with akinesis of mid-left ventricular (LV) and apical segments and 12 (36%) of patients presented with mid-LV variant with apical sparing. Myocardial deformations were serially assessed using 2D strain analysis. All echocardiographic values on day 21 were compared with the corresponding values from 30 controls of similar age and gender.

RESULTS

LV ejection fraction (EF) gradually improved at follow-up (32±8% on day 1 vs. 62±4% on day 21, p<0.001). Despite no difference in LVEF between the patients with complete recovery (LVEF >60% on day 21) and controls, the patients showed significantly lower global longitudinal strain than controls. On regional analysis of the mid-LV segments, both longitudinal and circumferential strains of patients with TC were similarly diminished on day 1. During recovery, longitudinal strain showed more delayed recovery than circumferential strain compared to the values of controls. In LV apex of controls, circumferential strain normally presented higher value than longitudinal strain. In LV apex of patients with classical TC, the reduced circumferential strain on day 1 rapidly increased with a wide variation to maintain augmented circumferential shortening.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantifying LV myocardial deformation in patients with TC is informative in the detection of persistent subtle LV dysfunction and improves our understanding of regional myocardial mechanics during recovery.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia.

BACKGROUND

Mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia is prevalent and a risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease, but past studies mainly studied patients with exercise-induced myocardial ischemia.

METHODS

Eligible patients with clinically stable coronary heart disease, regardless of exercise stress testing status, underwent a battery of 3 mental stress tests followed by a treadmill test. Stress-induced ischemia, assessed by echocardiography and electrocardiography, was defined as: 1) development or worsening of regional wall motion abnormality; 2) left ventricular ejection fraction reduction ≥ 8%; and/or 3) horizontal or downsloping ST-segment depression ≥ 1 mm in 2 or more leads lasting for ≥ 3 consecutive beats during at least 1 mental test or during the exercise test.

RESULTS

Mental stress-induced ischemia occurred in 43.45%, whereas exercise-induced ischemia occurred in 33.79% (p = 0.002) of the study population (N = 310). Women (odds ratio [OR]: 1.88), patients who were not married (OR: 1.99), and patients who lived alone (OR: 2.24) were more likely to have mental stress-induced ischemia (all p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that compared with married men or men living with someone, unmarried men (OR: 2.57) and married women (OR: 3.18), or living alone (male OR: 2.25 and female OR: 2.72, respectively) had higher risk for mental stress-induced ischemia (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Mental stress-induced ischemia is more common than exercise-induced ischemia in patients with clinically stable coronary heart disease. Women, unmarried men, and individuals living alone are at higher risk for mental stress-induced ischemia. (Responses of Myocardial Ischemia to Escitalopram Treatment [REMIT]; NCT00574847).

Left ventricular thrombus associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a cardioembolic cause of cerebral infarction

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy, usually occurs in patients with severe emotional or physiologic stress. The prognosis is favorable, and the wall motion abnormlities normalize within weeks. However, stress-induced cardiomyopathy is rarely assosicated with left ventricular thrombus and thromboembolic complications. Here, we report a case of stress-induced cardiomyopathy with left ventricular thrombus that embolized to cause cerebral infarction.