Stress induced cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy)

Abstract

Stress induced cardiomyopathy is clinical syndrome characterized by chest pain, ECG changes - ST elevation or T wave inversion, transitional dysfunction of the apical and/or midsegments of left ventricule and elevated cardiac biomarkers. This syndrome mimics acute coronary syndrome but it is characterized by absence of significant changes in coronary arteries. The symptoms are triggered by intense emotional or physical stress. Thanks to very characteristic ehocardiographic changes the syndrome is called Takatscubo-Japanese name for an octopus trap (which has a shape of cone with narrow neck and wide base). In majority of cases, after severe presentation often complicated by acute coronary weakness, recovery is full. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. In hospital mortality is less than 1%, but long term prognosis is not well known