Patients with the tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy-clinical evaluation and outcome

ObjectiveTako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) or is a rare, acute, reversible cardiac dysfunction mimicking an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and usually connected with a preceding intense physical or emotional stress trigger. This case series-observational study is to evaluate the clinical findings (including the depression and anxiety disorders) and outcome in patients with the tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy treated in our Centre, during 18 month period.MethodsFrom the group of 730 patients, who were admitted with the suspected acute myocardial infarct, ten patients, who fulfilled diagnostic criteria for TTC, were evaluated. For each patient we assessed: clinical characteristic, previous medical history including coronary disease risk factors and preceding stress trigger, 12-leads electrocardiography and laboratory tests. All patients underwent coronary-artery angiography, trans-thoracic echocardiography and completed the questionnaire evaluating the depression and anxiety disorders.ResultsThe estimated prevalence and clinical features of patients with the tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy in our Centre were similar to those in the literature, with the wide range of stress triggers. There was a statistically significant improvement in the ejection fraction during the hospitalization. Psychological tests revealed the 0.7 occurrence of depression or anxiety disorders among our patients.ConclusionsThe exact pathogenesis of the tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy remains uncertain, but it is important to take it into account as a differential diagnosis in patients with the clinical features of myocardial infarct in the absence of coronary artery stenosis.