Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Literature Review - Abstract
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a transient non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, whose frequency has increased rapidly over the past few years. It is characterized by regional left ventricular wall motion abnormality, with a circumferential pattern that spreads beyond a coronary artery supply territory. It can resolve with an almost complete restoration of ventricular function within days to months. TC is more prevalent among postmenopausal women, and less prevalent in Hispanics and African-Americans. It is a heterogeneous syndrome, and several etiologies have been proposed for its pathogenesis. The central hypothesis is supported by catecholamine excess and hyperactivity of the nervous system. The clinical presentation usually overlaps with the presentation of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) which calls for an early diagnosis. In light of this, several laboratory, electrocardiographic and imaging findings have been studied in order to form the clinical diagnosis of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.