Review

Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy: Literature Review

  • Ceyhun CEYHAN
  • Hülya TURGUT

Received Date: 28.09.2010 Accepted Date: 10.02.2010 Meandros Med Dent J 2010;11(2):47-55

Tako tsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient left ventricular apical balooning without significant coronary artery stenosis. It is also referred as Ampulla cardiomyopathy, Human stress cardiomyopathy, Broken heart syndome. It has been described in postmenopausal females with a recent history of physical or emotional stress. In the pathogenesis there are physical stress, stunned myocardium, hypertension, increased adrenergic activity , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , decreased serum estrogen levels, myocarditis, impairment in fatty ascites metabolizm of myocardium, impairment in multivessel microcirculation. The clinical presentation is usually chest pain, dyspnea , syncope, ,heart failure . supraventricular and ventricular arythmias .In some cases it is asymptomatic . ST segment elevation, T wave inversion, QT interval prolongation, may be detected in electrocardiography which mimics myocardial infarction. Echocardiography shows anteroapical akinezis or diskinesis. Significant coronary artery stenosis is not detected on coronary angiography. Ventriculography demonstrates anteroapical balooning and hypercontractility of basal segments. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging ) shows left ventricular mid and apical diskinezis like echocardiography.MRI is useful in diagnosis of TTC.There is no guideline for the treatment ofTakotsubo cardiomyopathy. The treatment is generally supportive according to few cases. In hospitals which coronary angiography can not be performed, patients should be treated like patients with myocardial infarction . Beta bloker agents should be given in order to prevent recurrences. The prognosis is generally favorable.

Keywords: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, echocardiography, coronary angiography