Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in siblings

Takotsubo syndrome: A current review of presentation, diagnosis, and management

Takotsubo syndrome is a syndrome of acute heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction that is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It occurs in both sexes and at all ages, but predominates in post-menopausal women for reasons that are unclear. In a patient who presents with cardiac symptoms, electrocardiographic changes, and/or biomarker elevation indicating myocardial stress (i.e. troponin elevation), this condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Cardiac imaging is critical for a timely diagnosis of this condition and has management implications. This syndrome can occur with or without underlying coronary artery disease, and while there are various characteristic myocardial patterns described on imaging, the most common one is left ventricular dysfunction due to apical stunning with basal hyperkinesis. In the acute phase, Takotsubo syndrome can lead to life-threatening sequelae, including cardiogenic shock, pulmonary edema, thromboembolism, and arrhythmias. Multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms are implicated, including an acute increase in left ventricular afterload in the setting of sympathetic activation with a catecholamine storm, multi-vessel coronary vasospasm, coronary endothelial microvascular dysfunction, and inflammation. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge surrounding presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this under-diagnosed condition.

Molecular Mechanisms of Takotsubo Syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a severe but reversible acute heart failure syndrome that occurs following high catecholaminergic stress. TTS patients are similar to those with acute coronary syndrome, with chest pain, dyspnoea and ST segment changes on electrocardiogram, but are characterised by apical akinesia of the left ventricle, with basal hyperkinesia in the absence of culprit coronary artery stenosis. The pathophysiology of TTS is not completely understood and there is a paucity of evidence to guide treatment. The mechanisms of TTS are thought to involve catecholaminergic myocardial stunning, microvascular dysfunction, increased inflammation and changes in cardiomyocyte metabolism. Here, we summarise the available literature to focus on the molecular basis for the pathophysiology of TTS to advance the understanding of the condition.

A Review of Nuclear Imaging in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) is a reversible left ventricular dysfunction syndrome that is increasingly being recognized. Recent advances in nuclear imaging have allowed us to study TTS in greater detail. We searched the PubMed and Medline databases and identified 53 publications with 221 patients reporting nuclear imaging findings in TTS. The age of the patients ranged from 17 to 87 years and were predominantly women (88.2%). The TTS variant was apical (typical) in 170 (76.9%), mid-ventricular in 23 (10.4%), and basal (reverse TTS) in 2 (0.9%). Cardiac perfusion was assessed using ^99mTc sestamibi (MIBI) SPECT, ^99mTc tetrofosmin SPECT, ²⁰¹Tl SPECT, ⁸²Rb PET, ²⁰¹Tl SPECT, and ¹³N ammonia PET. Additional studies used were ¹²³I MIBG SPECT, ¹²³I BMIPP SPECT, ¹⁸F FDG PET, ⁶⁷Ga citrate, and ¹¹C hydroxy-ephedrine. A perfusion defect was seen in 69 (31.2%), and an inverse perfusion–metabolism mismatch (normal or near-normal perfusion with absent myocardial metabolic activity) was seen in 183 (82.8%) patients. Nuclear imaging has a significant role in evaluating, diagnosing, and prognosticating patients with TTS. As nuclear imaging technology evolves, we will surely gain more insights into this fascinating disorder.

Impact of family history of coronary artery disease on clinical outcomes in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Family history of coronary artery disease (FHxCAD) is a critical risk factor for CAD, underscoring the contribution of genetic factors to disease pathogenesis and susceptibility. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) simulates the clinical features of and frequently coexists with CAD. However, the association between FHxCAD and TCM is unclear. Here, we retrospectively examined the impact of FHxCAD on in-hospital outcomes of patients with TCM. Using the National Inpatient Sample database (2016-2018), we identified 4733 patients admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis of TCM. We compared in-hospital outcomes and complications between TCM patients with (n=646, 13.7%) and without FHxCAD (n=646) in the unmatched and in a propensity-score matched cohort (1:1 ratio). TCM with FHxCAD patients had a reduced incidence of cardiogenic shock, acute kidney injury (AKI), and acute respiratory failure (ARF); lower mortality rates; shorter length of stay (LOS); and decreased total charge compared with TCM without FHxCAD patients (p<0.05). In the matched cohort, TCM with FHxCAD patients (vs TCM without FHxCAD patients) had a lower incidence of cardiogenic shock (2.2% vs 6.3%, p<0.001; OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.61), AKI (5.1% vs 8.7%, p=0.016; OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.88), and ARF (5.7% vs 12.7%, p<0.001; OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.63); decreased in-hospital mortality (<11% vs 3.1%, p=0.002; OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.57); shorter LOS (2.66±1.96 days vs 3.40±3.05 days, p<0.001); and a reduced total charge (p=0.001), respectively. FHxCAD was associated with favorable outcomes in both unmatched and propensity-matched cohorts.

Genetic and Epigenetic Factors of Takotsubo Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), recognized as stress's cardiomyopathy, or as left ventricular apical balloon syndrome in recent years, is a rare pathology, described for the first time by Japanese researchers in 1990. TTS is characterized by an interindividual heterogeneity in onset and progression, and by strong predominance in postmenopausal women. The clear causes of these TTS features are uncertain, given the limited understanding of this intriguing syndrome until now. However, the increasing frequency of TTS cases in recent years, and particularly correlated to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, leads us to the imperative necessity both of a complete knowledge of TTS pathophysiology for identifying biomarkers facilitating its management, and of targets for specific and effective treatments. The suspect of a genetic basis in TTS pathogenesis has been evidenced. Accordingly, familial forms of TTS have been described. However, a systematic and comprehensive characterization of the genetic or epigenetic factors significantly associated with TTS is lacking. Thus, we here conducted a systematic review of the literature before June 2021, to contribute to the identification of potential genetic and epigenetic factors associated with TTS. Interesting data were evidenced, but few in number and with diverse limitations. Consequently, we concluded that further work is needed to address the gaps discussed, and clear evidence may arrive by using multi-omics investigations.

Pathophysiology of Takotsubo Syndrome as A Bridge to Personalized Treatment

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) consists of transient dysfunction of the left and/or right ventricle in the absence of ruptured plaque; thrombus or vessel dissection. TTS may be divided into two categories. Primary TTS occurs when the cause of hospitalization is the symptoms resulting from damage to the myocardium usually preceded by emotional stress. Secondary TTS occurs in patients hospitalized for other medical; surgical; anesthetic; obstetric or psychiatric conditions who have activation of their sympathetic nervous system and catecholamines release- they develop TTS as a complication of their primary condition or its treatment. There are several hypotheses concerning the cause of the disease. They include a decrease in estrogen levels; microcirculation dysfunction; endothelial dysfunction and the hypothesis based on the importance of the brain-heart axis. More and more research concerns the importance of genetic factors in the development of the disease. To date; no effective treatment or prevention of recurrent TTS has been found. Only when the pathophysiology of the disease is fully known; then personalized treatment will be possible.

Perioperative takotsubo cardiomyopathy: Implications for anesthesiologist

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is characterized by transient ventricular dysfunction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease that may be triggered by an acute medical illness or intense physical or emotional stress. TCM is often confused with acute myocardial infarction given the similar electrocardiographic changes, cardiac enzymes, hemodynamic perturbations, and myocardial wall motion abnormalities. In the perioperative setting, the clinical picture may be more confusing because of the effect of anesthesia as well as hemodynamic changes related to the surgery itself. However, awareness of various other diagnostic modalities may enable clinicians to distinguish between the two, more systematically and with greater certainty. Despite the large body of literature, there still seems to be an overall paucity in our understanding of the etiopathogenesis, clinical characteristics, natural history, and management of this syndrome, especially in the perioperative setting. This narrative review seeks to present and synthesize the most recent literature on TCM and to identify gaps in current knowledge which can become the basis for future research.

The Great Myocardial Mimic - Takotsubo Syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome has been traditionally considered a reversible form of acute heart failure triggered by an emotional or physical stressor, mainly occurring in women of post-menopausal age and often mimicking an acute coronary syndrome. While its pathophysiology is still incompletely understood, sympathetic overstimulation is known to play a central role in the disease. The classical hallmark of the condition was the presence of wall motion abnormalities limited to the apical segments of the ventricle, leading to the so-called apical ballooning, but different patterns of wall motion abnormalities are nowadays recognised. Different definitions and diagnostic criteria for takotsubo syndrome were proposed during the last decades, reflecting the heterogeneity of the condition and the gaps in the thorough understanding of the disease. While initially it was believed to be a benign entity, takotsubo syndrome has in fact similar morbidity and mortality with acute coronary syndromes, both on short- and long-term, highlighting the importance of proper risk stratification. Many questions still remain unanswered concerning the pathophysiology of the syndrome and the optimal therapeutic strategy for these patients.

International Expert Consensus Document on Takotsubo Syndrome (Part I): Clinical Characteristics, Diagnostic Criteria, and Pathophysiology

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a poorly recognized heart disease that was initially regarded as a benign condition. Recently, it has been shown that TTS may be associated with severe clinical complications including death and that its prevalence is probably underestimated. Since current guidelines on TTS are lacking, it appears timely and important to provide an expert consensus statement on TTS. The clinical expert consensus document part I summarizes the current state of knowledge on clinical presentation and characteristics of TTS and agrees on controversies surrounding TTS such as nomenclature, different TTS types, role of coronary artery disease, and etiology. This consensus also proposes new diagnostic criteria based on current knowledge to improve diagnostic accuracy.

The role of multimodality imaging in takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a syndrome of transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction mimicking acute coronary syndrome. Although the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of TC are unknown, several imaging techniques contribute to its diagnosis. Here we review the current knowledge about TC, in particular, the pathophysiology and the role of imaging including nuclear cardiovascular medicine.

Takotsubo twins

Takotsubo syndrome is an intriguing condition of often stress induced reversible cardiac dysfunction mimicking myocardial infarction, but without explanatory coronary obstructions. The pathogenesis of the syndrome is not yet fully understood, though altered sympathetic regulation or response to cardiac sympathetic stimuli is likely to be involved. We present a unique and clinically detailed report of identical twin sisters, who both developed Takotsubo syndrome in association to mental stress shortly after menopause, also covering a potential relapse of disease in one of the twins, supporting the theory of a genetic contribution to the development of the syndrome proposed by previous case reports and small genetic studies.

International Expert Consensus Document on Takotsubo Syndrome (Part I): Clinical Characteristics, Diagnostic Criteria, and Pathophysiology

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a poorly recognized heart disease that was initially regarded as a benign condition. Recently, it has been shown that TTS may be associated with severe clinical complications including death and that its prevalence is probably underestimated. Since current guidelines on TTS are lacking, it appears timely and important to provide an expert consensus statement on TTS. The clinical expert consensus document part I summarizes the current state of knowledge on clinical presentation and characteristics of TTS and agrees on controversies surrounding TTS such as nomenclature, different TTS types, role of coronary artery disease, and etiology. This consensus also proposes new diagnostic criteria based on current knowledge to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Copy number variants implicate cardiac function and development pathways in earthquake-induced stress cardiomyopathy

The pathophysiology of stress cardiomyopathy (SCM), also known as takotsubo syndrome, is poorly understood. SCM usually occurs sporadically, often in association with a stressful event, but clusters of cases are reported after major natural disasters. There is some evidence that this is a familial condition. We have examined three possible models for an underlying genetic predisposition to SCM. Our primary study cohort consists of 28 women who suffered SCM as a result of two devastating earthquakes that struck the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2010 and 2011. To seek possible underlying genetic factors we carried out exome analysis, genotyping array analysis, and array comparative genomic hybridization on these subjects. The most striking finding was the observation of a markedly elevated rate of rare, heterogeneous copy number variants (CNV) of uncertain clinical significance (in 12/28 subjects). Several of these CNVs impacted on genes of cardiac relevance including RBFOX1, GPC5, KCNRG, CHODL, and GPBP1L1. There is no physical overlap between the CNVs, and the genes they impact do not appear to be functionally related. The recognition that SCM predisposition may be associated with a high rate of rare CNVs offers a novel perspective on this enigmatic condition.

Takotsubo syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome is a reversible acute heart failure frequently precipitated by an emotional or physical stress. The clinical presentation resembles acute coronary syndrome. Pathogenesis is complex and may involve brain-heart axis and neuro-hormonal stunning of the myocardium. Coronary angiography reveals normal epicardial arteries with no obstruction or spasm. NT-ProBNP maybe remarkably elevated. Regional wall motion akinesia (RWMA) of left ventricle extends beyond the territory of one coronary artery. Reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and RWMA recover in 6-12 weeks. Prognosis is generally good. Recent meta-analysis shows in-hospital mortality of 1-4.5% and recurrence rate of 5-10% during five year follow-up.

Influence of Genetics and Gender in Takotsubo Syndrome: Unexplored Areas of an Incompletely Understood Disease

Stress cardiomyopathy, also known as “Takotsubo syndrome” (TS), is a complex disease that typically affects postmenopausal women. The pathophysiology is still largely unknown, but evidence of a frequent association between TS and stressful events has evoked the hypothesis of a pathophysiologic role of sympathetic overdrive in the myocardial dysfunction. However, despite several studies, the role gender plays in TS onset remains unclear because stress cardiomyopathy also has been described in young women and in men. Moreover, although several cases of a familial cluster of TS have been reported, no responsible gene mutations or polymorphisms have been clearly identified so far, and neither the modality of transmission or the true impact of genetic background. In this review, we discuss the role of gender in the onset, course, and outcomes of TS and we report the available data about polymorphisms and gene mutations so far investigated, trying to critically analyze the evidence reported in the literature.

Genetics of Takotsubo Syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an enigmatic disease with a multifactorial and still unresolved pathogenesis. A genetic predisposition has been suggested based on the few familial TTS cases. Conflicting results have been published regarding the role of functional polymorphisms in relevant candidate genes, such as α1-, β1-, and β2-adrenergic receptors; G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5; and estrogen receptors. Further research is required to help clarify the role of genetic susceptibility in TTS.

Rare Variants in Cardiomyopathy Genes Associated With Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is a poorly understood condition associated with periods of emotional and physical stress. The clinical approaches for management of SIC are supportive and reactive to patient symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

To utilize next-generation exome sequencing to define genetic variation associated with, and potentially responsible for, this disease.

METHODS

We performed exome sequencing of 7 white female patients with SIC. Filtering of the identified variants was performed to limit our investigation to those sequences that passed quality control criteria, were rare or novel, were determined algorithmically to have high impact on the associated protein, and were within regions of high species conservation. All variants were verified by using Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

Exome-sequencing analysis revealed that each patient carried predicted deleterious variants affecting known cardiomyopathy genes. In each case, the identified variant was either not previously found in public human genome data or was previously annotated in a database of clinical variants associated with cardiac dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Patients with SIC harbor deleterious mutations in established cardiomyopathy genes at a level higher than healthy controls. We hypothesize that patients at highest risk for SIC likely live in a compensated state of cardiac dysfunction that manifests clinically only after the myocardium is stressed. In short, we propose that SIC is another example of an occult cardiomyopathy with a distinct physiological trigger and suggest that alternative clinical approaches to these patients may be warranted.

ABBREVIATIONS

CADD, Combined Annotation Dependent DepletionFPKM, fragments per kilobase pair of exon per million fragments mappedNHLBI GO ESP, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Grand Opportunity Exome Sequencing ProjectPCR, polymerase chain reactionSIC, stress-induced cardiomyopathy.

Current state of knowledge on Takotsubo syndrome: a Position Statement from the Taskforce on Takotsubo Syndrome of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology

Takotsubo syndrome is an acute reversible heart failure syndrome that is increasingly recognized in modern cardiology practice. This Position Statement from the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Association provides a comprehensive review of the various clinical and pathophysiological facets of Takotsubo syndrome, including nomenclature, definition, and diagnosis, primary and secondary clinical subtypes, anatomical variants, triggers, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, complications, prognosis, clinical investigations, and treatment approaches. Novel structured approaches to diagnosis, risk stratification, and management are presented, with new algorithms to aid decision-making by practising clinicians. These also cover more complex areas (e.g. uncertain diagnosis and delayed presentation) and the management of complex cases with ongoing symptoms after recovery, recurrent episodes, or spontaneous presentation. The unmet needs and future directions for research in this syndrome are also discussed.

Electrocardiographic changes associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a patient with pre-existing left bundle branch block

An 81-year-old man was referred to our emergency department with severe persistent chest pain. One year before presentation at our department, his 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed a normal QRS pattern during the period of normal conduction with intermittent left bundle branch block (LBBB). His ECG immediately after arrival showed deep T-wave inversion in the precordial leads during normal conduction. During LBBB, there was mild ST-segment elevation with poor R-wave progression across the precordial leads. Emergent cardiac catheterization was performed to rule out acute coronary syndrome. Coronary angiography showed no significant stenosis, and coronary spasm was not provoked by the administration of intracoronary ergonovine. Left ventriculography demonstrated persistent left ventricular apical akinesis with systolic ballooning. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed to have takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM). After 6 months, echocardiography demonstrated the recovery of the left ventricular regional wall motion abnormality. An ECG performed 6 months after the presentation showed incomplete resolution of T-wave inversion in the periods of normal conduction. ST elevation and poor R-wave progression were improved during LBBB. In a case with acute chest pain and an ECG changes incompatible with acute ischemia superimposed on a pattern of LBBB, TCM should be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Usefulness of contrast computed tomography to detect left ventricular apical thrombus associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Left ventricular (LV) apical thrombus can rarely occur during the early phase of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. We report such a case that was depicted clearly in contrast computed tomography (CT) but not in initial echocardiography. Because LV thrombus may lead to thromboembolic events, we should evaluate all patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy for the presence of a LV thrombus. LV thrombus is generally recognized with echocardiography in the course of follow-up, but limited depiction of the LV apex with echocardiography can make evaluation of LV thrombus difficult. Contrast CT is useful to detect LV apical thrombus associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Characterizing genetic variation of adrenergic signalling pathways in Takotsubo (stress) cardiomyopathy exomes

AIMS

Exome sequencing was used to genotype comprehensively a Takotsubo (stress) cardiomyopathy (TC) cohort, enabling investigation of a vast 486 gene network for adrenergic signalling.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty-eight TC subjects, including a mother-daughter pair and five recurrent cases, underwent whole-exome sequencing. Frequencies of 17 common, functional adrenergic polymorphisms were statistically similar to those of population controls. Filtering for rare, predicted-deleterious, catecholamine/adrenergic signalling variants revealed heterozygosity in 55 genes in TC cases and 59 genes in healthy controls. Overall allele burden was similar and did not discriminate clinical variables among TC subjects, but gene identities were largely cohort specific, and TC cases were enriched for variants within functional domains (68% vs. 48%, P = 0.031). Two-thirds of TC cases carried more than one filtered adrenergic pathway variant, and 11 genes harboured a variant in ≥ 2 cases. The mother-daughter pair shared missense variants in highly conserved functional domains of ADH5, CACNG1, EPHA4, and PRKCA. An adrenergic pathway-independent analysis of the cohort exposed no common gene for TC.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these data support genetic heterogeneity in TC susceptibility and a likely polygenic basis, conferring a cumulative effect on adrenergic pathway dysregulation in a subset of individual subjects. Study of larger cohorts and non-coding regulatory regions is warranted to define genetic risk factors for TC further.