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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy a.k.a. stress cardiomyopathy is an acute reversible disorder characterized by left ventricular (LV) dysfunction most commonly affecting postmenopausal women
The LV adopts the shape of an octopus trap (“takotsubo”) describing the narrow neck and broad base globular form during systole
Symptoms include precordial chest pain, dyspnea, or heart failure presenting with pulmonary edema mimicking ACS
Mayo Clinic Diagnostic Criteria
- Suspicion of AMI based on symptoms and STEMI on ECG
- Transient hypokinesia or akinesia of the middle and apical regions of LV
- Functional hyperkinesia of the basal region of LV
- Normal coronary arteries (luminal narrowing <50%)
- Absence of recent head injury, ICH, HCOM, myocarditis, or pheochromocytoma
Treatment is symptomatic and determined based on complications during the acute phase; occasionally requiring IABP or ECMO
Prognosis is better than those with ACS, however initial LVEF is similar to those seen with ischemic heart disease
References
Castillo Rivera AM, Ruiz-Bailen M, Rucabado Aguilar L. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy – a clinical review. Medical Science Monitor. 17 (6): RA 135-47, 2011 Jun.