1. Takotsubo Syndrome
- Author
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Christian Templin, Jelena R. Templin-Ghadri, and Thomas F. Lüscher
- Subjects
cardiovascular diseases - Abstract
Takotsubo syndrome is named after the octopus trap used by Japanese fisherman and reflects the shape of the left ventricle during systole in patients with this condition. Takotsubo is an acute cardiac syndrome (ACS), starting with chest pain, dyspnoea, ECG changes, sometimes presenting as STEMI or non-STEMI, and in some cases with hypotension, arrhythmias, pump failure, and sudden death. In most patients, the massive left ventricular dysfunction with a reduction in ejection fraction down to 35% is reversible over days, weeks, and months. However, around 4% of patients do not survive the acute condition. The mechanisms are thought to be neurological in nature, involving abnormalities of the amygdala and hippocampus of the mid-brain with over-activation of the sympathetic nervous and endothelin systems, leading to microvascular ischaemia and myocardial stunning. Treatment currently is not evidence-based, but for patients presenting in cardiogenic shock may involve left ventricular assist devices such as ImpelllaR and ECMO (extra corporeal membrane oxygenation), as in apical ballooning inotropes may worsen the condition by creating a pressure gradient across the left ventricular outflow tract.
- Published
- 2021
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