Takotsubo cardiomyopathy – a (non) stress-induced cardiomiopathy

Inesa Navickaite1, Ausra Dambrauskaite2, Dovile Dovidaitiene2

1Medical academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania,

2 Cardiovascular center, Republican Siauliai Hospital, Siauliai, Lithuania

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a syndrome that is typically characterized by transient systolic dysfunction, limited elevation in cardiospecific markers and newly presented changes in ECG. The syndrome mimics acute coronary syndrome; however, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is triggered by physical or emotional stress that is shown in a patient’s medical history. The diagnosis is confirmed by performing lab tests, electrocardiography, echocardiography and coronary angiography that are then compared to the Mayo Clinic criteria. A new Takotsubo cardiompathy classification was introduced in August 2018. It recommends to group patients according to the type of a predisposing factor. This article presents a typical clinical case of a 87-year-old female who experienced the Takostubo syndrome after a significant emotional stressor. The purpose of this article is to present the new classification and a typical clinical case and to improve understanding of the syndrome.

Keywords: stress-induced cardiomyopathy, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, Takotsubo syndrome, catecholamines.