Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken-heart syndrome) in differential diagnosis of chest pain

July 30, 2010 · Posted in health blog 

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (also called stress induced cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning, or broken heart syndrome) was first described in Japan 20 years ago. It is typically precipitated by acute emotional stress, hence the names “stress cardiomyopathy” or “broken-heart syndrome.”

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterised by acute, reversible left ventricular dysfunction in a distribution,which does not correlate with the coronary artery blood supply. The left ventricular dysfunction occurs without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and usually resolves spontaneously over a period of weeks.

The characteristic appearances on contrast angiography include:

- ballooned apical segment
- hypercontractile basal portion of the left ventricle
The appearances are reminiscent of the design of the traditional fishing pot used in Japan to trap octopus, hence the descriptive term “tako-tsubo″ cardiomyopathy (octopus trap, tako tsubo). Such a trap, no more than simple ceramic jar, take advantage of the octopus’ preference for small, enclosed spaces and the security they seem to promise. They are simply left on the seabed and gathered later after octopi have had time to occupy them.

Although Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was initially considered rare, it could possibly be responsible for 1-2% of admissions for acute coronary syndrome in industrialised countries.

References:
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Banning et al. 340: 󲀨, BMJ.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, or Broken-Heart Syndrome. SS Virani et al, Tex Heart Inst J. 2007; 34(1): 76–79.
Morikami museum.
Image source: Octopus trap, tako tsubo, Morikami museum.

Posted at Clinical Cases and Images. Stay updated and subscribe, follow us on Twitter and connect on Facebook.



Related Posts

cardiomyopathy takotsubo differential diagnoses amp; workup
Diagnosis: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a transient cardiac syndrome that involves left ventricular apical Chacko V, Varveralis N, Elmi F. "Broken heart syndrome
(Read More...)

thequot;broken heart syndromequot; understanding takotsubo cardiomyopathy
The"Broken Heart Syndrome": Understanding Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy those of acute coronary syndrome; chest pain syndrome: an important differential diagnosis
(Read More...)

takotsubo cardiomyopathy or brokenheart syndrome
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, or Broken-Heart Syndrome diagnosis/etiology/physiopathology, catecholamines/secretion, chest pain/etiology, coronary angiography, coronary disease
(Read More...)

hot search

Tags: no tags

Comments

Incoming search terms for the article:

top incoming search terms for this post

Leave a Reply




Improve the web with Nofollow Reciprocity.