A Clinical Perspective of the Takotsubo Syndrome

Abstract

This article provides a contemporary review of the clinical features of the takotsubo syndrome. The author discusses hallmark elements that distinguish this novel acute cardiac condition from the more common acute coronary syndrome. This review includes relevant clinical detail surrounding findings on ECG, biochemical testing, and cardiac imaging and a discussion of complications, including acute decompensated heart failure, arrhythmias, ventricular thrombi, and left ventricular outflow obstruction. The review concludes with discussion of proper treatment, long-term survival, and recurrence.

Keywords: Apical ballooning; Stress cardiomyopathy; Takotsubo syndrome.