Brain functional connectivity in takotsubo cardiomyopathy patients. A systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging studies / Conectividad funcional cerebral en pacientes con miocardiopatía de takotsubo: Revisión sistemática de estudios de imagen por resonancia magnética

Abstract Background: Functional neuroimaging studies may aid to our understanding of the pathophysiology of the takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Objective: The aim of the study was to review the available evidence of brain functional connectivity in takotsubo cardiomyopathy patients. Methods: This was a systematic review. We searched MEDLINE, LILACS, Ovid (Cochrane), Scopus, and Science Direct for studies conducting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in takotsubo patients. After reviewing title/abstract and full text, we selected relevant studies, extracted methodological characteristics, and their main findings, and assessed their risk of bias with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. We present a narrative review. Results: We included five case-control studies from 600 registries. The risk of bias was low; comparability was the main issue. Resting-state fMRI findings suggest significant differences for the hippocampus, the Insula, the amygdala, and the para-hippocampal gyrus. Task fMRI findings suggest significant differences for the Insula, the superior occipital gyrus, and the amygdala. Studies were heterogeneous about the laterality and directionality of these differences. Conclusion: Brain connectivity alterations involving elements relevant for autonomic control like the Insula and the Amygdala provide evidence in favor of the role of functional networks in the neurocardiology of stress-related cardiomyopathies. However, it is not possible to determine if this role is causal or consequential.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los estudios de neuroimagen funcional podrían ayudar a clarificar la fisiopatología de la miocardiopatía de takotsubo. Objetivo: Revisar la evidencia disponible sobre conectividad funcional cerebral en pacientes con cardiomiopatía de takotsubo. Métodos: Revisión sistemática. Se buscaron en MEDLINE, LILACS, Ovid (Cochrane), Scopus, y ScienceDirect estudios de imagen por resonancia magnética funcional (IRMf) en pacientes con cardiomiopatía de takotsubo. Tras revisar títulos, resúmenes y textos completos se seleccionaron los estudios relevantes, se extrajeron sus características metodológicas y resultados principales, y se valoró su riesgo de sesgo mediante la escala Newcastle-Ottawa. Se presenta revisión narrativa de los resultados. Resultados: Se incluyeron cinco estudios de casos y controles de entre 600 registros. El riesgo de sesgo fue bajo, la comparabilidad fue la principal limitante. Los estudios de IRMf en estado de reposo sugieren diferencias significativas en el Hipocampo, la Ínsula, la Amígdala y el Giro parahipocampal. Los estudios de IRMf bajo paradigma sugieren diferencias en la Ínsula, el Giro occipital superior y en la Amígdala. Los estudios fueron heterogéneos respecto a la lateralización y direccion de estas diferencias. Conclusión: Alteraciones en la conectividad cerebral de zonas relevantes para el control autonómico como la ínsula y la Amígdala provén evidencia a favor del rol de redes funcionales en la neurocardiología de miocardiopatías relacionadas con el estrés. Sin embargo, aún no es posible determinar si esto obedece a un rol causal o consecuencial.

A case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-like morphological changes during recovery / Journal of Rural Medicine

Objective: Few cases of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (APH)-like morphological changes during the recovery process have been reported.Patient: A 56-year-old woman diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy showed a morphology similar to that of APH during recovery. We examined this patient using 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography based on the method used for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which suggested that the circumferential strain (CS) of the middle wall indicated myocardial function of the left ventricle, and the CS of the inner wall was associated with left ventricular chamber function.Results: We measured the CS of the endocardial, middle, and epicardial layers and found that the apical inner layer CS (CSinner), middle layer CS, and outer layer CS were all decreased at the onset. CSinner showed a strong tendency to recover on echocardiography performed when APH-like morphology was observed.Conclusion: The morphology of the apex in our case likely contributed to the maintenance of chamber function.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a bedridden patient with dementia and communication difficulties due to Alzheimer’s disease / Journal of Rural Medicine

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a transient wall motion abnormality of the left ventricular apex, accompanied by emotional or physical stress. Although Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is generally considered a benign disease, severe clinical complications may occur, and early detection of the disease is important. In this report, we present the case of an 86-year-old bedridden woman with a history of bronchial asthma who was transferred to our hospital because of wheezing. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and had communication difficulties. After an asthma attack and improvement, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was identified via electrocardiography. She was unable to complain of any symptoms but showed serial electrocardiographic changes, elevated myocardial markers, and transient left ventricular apical ballooning. The prevalence of dementia increases dramatically with age. This case indicates that Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may occur even in patients with severe dementia, who are bedridden and show communication difficulties in a clinical setting.

Estrés emocional relacionado con un terremoto como factor causante de un síndrome de takotsubo

Takotsubo syndrome is an acute heart disease usually triggered by significant emotional or physical stress, very occasionally described in association with natural disasters such as earthquakes. Clinically, it simulates an acute myocardial infarction with similar symptoms, laboratory tests, and electrocardiographic changes. Coronary angiography shows the absence of significant coronary disease. We report two women, aged 71 and 80 years, and who developed a Takotsubo syndrome after an earthquake. In both, the syndrome was diagnosed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Soporte circulatorio con ECMO venoarterial en paciente con cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo biventricular / Circulatory support with venoarterial ECMO in a patient with biventricular Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Resumen La cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo es una entidad caracterizada por disfunción ventricular aguda y transitoria, la cual está generalmente relacionada a un evento desencadenante (estrés emocional o físico) y que, por lo general, se presenta con disfunción sistólica regional del ventrículo izquierdo, aunque hasta en un 30% puede ser biventricular. Según su severidad, en algunos casos puede condicionar choque cardiogénico refractario a manejo con inotrópicos y vasopresores, por lo que para estos casos deben considerarse los dispositivos de asistencia circulatoria. Presentamos el caso de una paciente joven a quien se realizó cambio valvular pulmonar con prótesis biológica, la cual siete semanas posteriores a la cirugía acudió al servicio de urgencias con derrame pericárdico y fisiología de tamponade secundario a síndrome pospericardiotomía. Por tal motivo se le practicó ventana pericárdica, sin embargo durante el transquirúrgico presentó cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo biventricular que le condicionó choque cardiogénico con insuficiencia mitral y tricúspidea severas y refractariedad a tratamiento médico, así como a balón intraaórtico de contrapulsación (BIAC), por lo cual requirió soporte circulatorio con ECMO venoarterial durante 5 días.

Abstract Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an entity characterized by acute and transient ventricular dysfunction, which is usually related to a triggering event (emotional or physical stress), and usually presents with regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle, however up to 30% may be biventricular. Depending on its severity in some cases the disease can condition refractory cardiogenic shock to management with inotropics and vasopressors, so for these cases circulatory assistance devices should be considered. We present the case of a young patient who had pulmonary valve change with biological prosthesis, which seven weeks after surgery went to the emergency department with pericardial effusion and tamponade physiology secondary to postpericardiotomy syndrome. For this reason pericardial window was practiced, however during the procedure she presented biventricular Takotsubo cardiomyopathy which conditioned cardiogenic shock with severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, and refractivity to medical treatment as well as intraaortic balloon pump, requiring circulatory support with venoarterial ECMO for 5 days.

El síndrome de Takotsubo con taponamiento cardíaco como complicación inusual / Takotsubo syndrome with cardiac tamponade as an unusual complication

Introducción: La miocardiopatía por estrés o síndrome de Takotsubo está asociado a la reducción de la fracción de eyección, niveles elevados de enzimas cardiacas y signos de isquemia en el electrocardiograma. Sin embargo, en pocas ocasiones trascurre con complicaciones tan importantes como el taponamiento cardiaco, deterioro significativo de la contractilidad y la posibilidad de trombos dentro de la cavidad ventricular. Estas son subestimadas a pesar de poner en riesgo la vida del paciente. Objetivo: Describir el caso de una paciente con miocardiopatía por estrés con taponamiento cardiaco como una complicación inusual. Caso clínico: Paciente en la novena década de la vida con antecedente de hipertensión arterial sistémica primaria y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Presentó dolor precordial con trastornos de la contractilidad de patrón usual correspondiente a la cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo en la que se descartaron otros diagnósticos diferenciales. Conclusiones: El caso presentado de miocardiopatía de Takotsubo asociado a una complicación cardiovascular tan importante e inusual como el taponamiento cardiaco, aporta información sobre esta enfermedad infrecuente en nuestro medio(AU)

Introduction: Stress cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo syndrome is associated with reduced ejection fraction, elevated levels of cardiac enzymes and signs of ischemia on the electrocardiogram. However, it rarely occurs with complications as important as cardiac tamponade, significant deterioration of contractility and the possibility of thrombi within the ventricular cavity. These are underestimated despite putting the patient's life at risk. Objective: To describe the case of a patient with stress cardiomyopathy with cardiac tamponade as an unusual complication. Clinical case report: A case of a female patient in her nineties is reported due to her history of primary systemic arterial hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She had chest pain with contractility disorders of the usual pattern corresponding to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in which other differential diagnoses were ruled out. Conclusions: This case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with a cardiovascular complication as important and unusual as cardiac tamponade, provides information on this rare disease in our setting(AU)

The Clinical Course of Takotsubo Syndrome Diagnosed According to the InterTAK Criteria

Abstract Background There has been an increase in the number of cases of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) and of scientific publications on the theme over the last years. However, little is known about the status of this disease in Brazilian hospitals. Objective To assess mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalization and follow-up of TTS patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Methods This was a retrospective, observational study on 48 patients. Clinical data, signs and symptoms, complementary tests, MACE and all-cause mortality were assessed on admission and during follow-up. Kaplan-Meier curves were used for analysis of all-cause mortality and risk for MACE at median follow-up. The 95% confidence interval was also calculated for a significance level of 5%. Results Mean age of patients was 71 years (SD±13 years), and most patients were women (n=41; 85.4%). During hospitalization, four patients (8.3%) died and five (10.4%) developed MACE. At median follow-up of 354.5 days (IQR of 81.5-896.5 days), the risk of all-cause mortality and MACE was 11.1% (95% CI= 1.8-20.3%) and 12.7% (95% CI= 3.3-22.3%), respectively. Conclusion TTS was associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in a tertiary hospital in Brazil, which were comparable to those observed in acute coronary syndrome. Therefore, the severity of TTS should not be underestimated, and new therapeutic strategies are required. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

Dor torácica na emergência: quando pensar em síndrome de Takotsubo? / Emergency chest pain: when to think about Takotsubo syndrome?

A síndrome de Takotsubo é uma cardiomiopatia induzida por estresse, caracterizada por disfunção transitória do ventrículo esquerdo. Essa disfunção pode ser confundida com infarto agudo miocárdio na sala de emergência por ter características clínicas semelhantes ­ principalmente a dor torácica. A fisiopatologia ainda não é bem definida, mas está associada à deficiência de estrogênio e ao aumento de catecolaminas que estimulam o acoplamento dos receptores beta-2 do coração, o que resulta em atividade inotrópica negativa, levando à disfunção contrátil do ventrículo esquerdo. As enzimas cardíacas alteradas dificultam ainda mais o diagnóstico da síndrome de Takotsubo. O exame padrão-ouro, que diferencia a síndrome de Takotsubo do infarto agudo do miocárdio, é a angiografia coronariana. Uma das opções na emergência é o ecocardiograma na beira do leito. Além disso, os critérios de Mayo devem ser usados para diagnosticar a síndrome de Takotsubo. É importante, para o profissional que trabalha no pronto-socorro, ter a síndrome de Takotsubo como diagnóstico diferencial na dor torácica.

Takotsubo syndrome is a stress-induced cardiomyopathy characterized by a transient left ventricular dysfunction. This dysfunction can be confused with acute myocardial infarction in the emergency room as it has similar clinical characteristics, especially chest pain. Its pathophysiology is not yet well defined, but is associated with estrogen deficiency and increased catecholamines that stimulate the coupling of cardiac beta-2 receptors, resulting in negative inotropic activity and leading to contractile dysfunction of the left ventricle. Altered cardiac enzymes make the diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome even more difficult. The gold standard exam that will differentiate Takotsubo syndrome from acute myocardial infarction is coronary angiography. One of the options in the emergency room is bedside echocardiography. In addition, Mayo criteria should be used to diagnose Takotsubo syndrome. Professionals working in the emergency room shall have Takotsubo syndrome as a differential diagnosis in chest pain.

Valor de la resonancia magnética cardíaca para el diagnóstico diferencial en pacientes con sospecha de infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST y arterias coronarias normales

Background: Patients hospitalized with suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who have normal coronary arteries (CAs) on invasive coronary angiography (ICA) may have an AMI or another acute cardiac disease that mimics it. Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) for diagnosing conditions resembling AMI with normal CAs. Material and Methods: We studied 424 consecutive patients admitted with suspected STEMI who underwent ICA. Those with normal CAs underwent CMRI involving cine-CMRI sequences to evaluate segmental wall motion, T2-weighted short-tau inversion-recovery imaging to detect oedema and delayed contrast enhancement (DCE) after gadolinium administration to identify necrosis/fibrosis. Patients with previous myocardial infarction were excluded. Results: Twenty-six patients (6.1%) had normal CAs. Definitive diagnosis after CMRI was acute myocarditis in 11 patients (42.3%) whose DCE was localized in the subepicardium or intramyocardially but not in the endocardium, AMI in nine patients (34.6%) who had subendocardial or transmural DCE, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) in six patients (23.1%), whose CMRI showed regional contractility abnormalities of the left ventricle and myocardial oedema but not DCE. Conclusions: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging allows a precise diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries.

Factors Associated with Recurrence in Takotsubo Syndrome: A Systematic Review / Fatores Associados à Recorrência na Síndrome de Takotsubo: Uma Revisão Sistemática

Abstract Background: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by a temporary systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV) related to a stressful event. However, the factors associated with its recurrence are still not well established. Objective: To analyze the main factors associated with TTS recurrence. Methods: A systematic review was performed using the PRISMA model. Observational studies, published between January 2008 and October 2017, which presented a recurrence rate of at least 3% and/or 5 or more patients with recurrence, and who met at least 80% of the STROBE criteria were included. Results: six articles reached the criteria to compose this systematic review. The recurrence rate ranged from 1 to 3.5% per year (global recurrence rate 3.8%). One study associated higher recurrence rate with the female gender, four reported the time between the first and second episodes, one study associated body mass index (BMI) and hypercontractility of the LV middle anterior wall to a higher recurrence rate. No association between recurrence and electrocardiographic changes were determined. Beta-blockers use was not associated with recurrence rates. Conclusions: Female gender, time from the first episode of the syndrome, low BMI and midventricular obstruction were reported as potential predictors of TTS recurrence.

Resumo Fundamento: A síndrome de Takotsubo (STT) é caracterizada por uma disfunção sistólica temporária do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) relacionada a um evento estressante. No entanto, os fatores associados à sua recorrência ainda não estão bem estabelecidos. Objetivo: Analisar os principais fatores associados à recorrência da STT. Métodos: Uma revisão sistemática foi realizada usando o modelo PRISMA. Foram incluídos estudos observacionais, publicados entre janeiro de 2008 e outubro de 2017, que apresentaram uma taxa de recorrência de pelo menos 3% e/ou 5 ou mais pacientes com recidiva e que preencheram pelo menos 80% dos critérios STROBE. Resultados: Seis artigos atenderam aos critérios para esta revisão sistemática. A taxa de recorrência variou de 1 a 3,5% ao ano (taxa de recorrência global 3,8%). Um estudo associou maior taxa de recorrência ao sexo feminino, quatro relataram o tempo entre o primeiro e o segundo episódio, um estudo associou o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a hipercontratilidade da parede anterior média do VE a uma maior taxa de recorrência. Não foi determinada associação entre recorrência e alterações eletrocardiográficas. O uso de betabloqueadores não foi associado a taxas de recorrência. Conclusões: Sexo feminino, tempo desde o primeiro episódio da síndrome, baixo IMC e obstrução ventricular foram relatados como possíveis preditores de recorrência da STT.