Clinical management of takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Abstract

The clinical management of takotsubo cardiomyopathy is challenging. Its diagnosis must be made on clinical grounds and differentiated from alternative diagnoses with echocardiography, serum biomarkers, cardiac catheterization, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Acute therapy includes supportive care, targeting the precipitating trigger if known, b-blockade, inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, and consideration of systemic anticoagulation in all patients. Recovery of left ventricular function to normal is expected regardless of early therapy. Although the prognosis is generally favorable, monitoring for early dangerous complications is essential. There is no evidence to support use of long-term medical therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.