Apical ballooning syndrome (Tako-Tsubo or stress cardiomyopathy): A mimic of acute myocardial infarction

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome: A systematic review

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.

https://www.zora.uzh.ch/id/eprint/162489/1/ehy077.pdf

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

Takotsubo syndrome is an acute cardiac syndrome first described in 1990 and characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction affecting more than one coronary artery territory, often in a circumferential apical, mid-ventricular, or basal distribution. Several pathophysiological explanations have been proposed for this syndrome and its intriguing appearance, and awareness is growing that these explanations might not be mutually exclusive. The reversible apical myocardial dysfunction observed might result from more than one pathophysiological phenomenon. The pathophysiology of Takotsubo syndrome is complex and integrates neuroendocrine physiology, potentially involving the cognitive centres of the brain, and including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Cardiovascular responses are caused by the sudden sympathetic activation and surge in concentrations of circulating catecholamines. The multiple morphological changes seen in the myocardium match those seen after catecholamine-induced cardiotoxicity. The acute prognosis and recurrence rate are now known to be worse than initially thought, and much still needs to be learned about the epidemiology and the underlying pathophysiology of this fascinating condition in order to improve diagnostic and treatment pathways.

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Epidemiology and pathophysiology of Takotsubo syndrome

Stress cardiomyopathy, also referred to as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, transient apical ballooning or broken heart syndrome, is a disorder associated with transient left ventricular dysfunction. Symptoms include acute chest pain and dyspnea accompanied by electrocardiographic changes, such as ST-segment elevation and T-wave inversions, minimal elevation of cardiac enzyme levels and transient wall-motion abnormalities in the absence of substantial coronary artery obstruction. Complete recovery of contractile function has been documented in nearly all cases, but the mechanisms of disease remain unclear and the cause has not been established. Coronary artery vasospasm, microcirculation dysfunction, and transient obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract have been proposed as possible causes of this disorder. An excessive release of catecholamines also seems to have a pivotal role in the development of stress cardiomyopathy. This Review summarizes published data on stress cardiomyopathy, focusing primarily on the most likely causes of this cardiac entity.

Mechanisms of stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy

Prevalence and characteristics of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in Tako-Tsubo syndrome.

Among 4,551 patients referred to the investigators' catheterization laboratory, 1,613 presented with acute coronary syndrome, and 12 had confirmed Tako-Tsubo syndrome (prevalence 0.7%). In conclusion, the present study emphasizes the underestimation of this new heart disease.

Prevalence of Tako-Tsubo Syndrome in a Large Urban Agglomeration

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of coronary artery spasm during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). Over a 9-year period (from November 2001 to October 2010) we reviewed all patients (n = 2,224) referred for DSE. Criteria for selection included patients >18 years old who underwent DSE. We systematically analyzed all electrocardiograms obtained during DSE to detect ST-segment elevation during the examination. All patients with ST-segment elevation underwent coronary angiography. DSE was performed in 2,179 patients. ST-segment elevation was observed in 21 patients, all of whom underwent emergency coronary angiography. In 13 of these 21 patients (62%) significant coronary stenosis was observed: 6 patients with critical coronary stenosis and 7 patients with chronic coronary occlusion. The remaining 8 patients (38% of patients presenting with ST-segment elevation during DSE, 7 men, mean age 67 ± 11 years) had no significant coronary stenosis. Prevalence of coronary artery spasm during DSE was 0.4%. In conclusion, physicians should be aware that, although rare, coronary artery spasm may occur during DSE.

Prevalence of Coronary Artery Spasm During Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

The management of patients with end-stage heart failure is difficult and may require the monitoring of intracardiac pressures. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the reliability of echocardiography in patients with end-stage HF. Twenty consecutive patients presenting with severe left ventricular dysfunction in end-stage heart failure were prospectively studied. All patients underwent right-sided cardiac catheterization and transthoracic echocardiography. Right atrial pressure, estimated using a new echocardiographic parameter, was significantly improved. There was good agreement between systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, determined by catheterization and echocardiography. All patients with echocardiographic pulmonary vascular resistance

Franck Digne

Papers

Prevalence and characteristics of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in Tako-Tsubo syndrome.

Prevalence of Tako-Tsubo Syndrome in a Large Urban Agglomeration

Prevalence of Coronary Artery Spasm During Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

Reliability of Echocardiography for Hemodynamic Assessment of End-Stage Heart Failure

Echocardiographic automated cardiac output measurement of pulmonary output and quantification of intracardiac shunt.