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- Title
Stress induced cardiomyopathy presenting as acute coronarysyndrome: Tako-Tsubo in Mercogliano, Southern Italy.
- Authors
Cangella, F.; Medolla, A.; De Fazio, G.; Iuliano, C.; Curcio, N.; Salemme, L.; Mottola, G.; Agrusta, Marco
- Abstract
Background: Tako-tsubo syndrome (TTS) in its typical (apical) and atypical (non-apical) forms is being increasingly recognized in the West owing to early systematic coronary angiography in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Aim of the study: To assess the incidence, the clinical characteristics and the outcome of TTS in a single high volume cath lab in Southern Italy over the last 6 years. Methods: Among 1674 consecutive patients (pts) referred to our coronary care units in the last 6 years (2001-2006) for ACS we selected 6 (0.5%) pts (6 women; age 57 ± 6 years) who fulfilled the following 4 criteria: 1) transient left ventricular wall motion abnormalities resulting in ballooning at contrast ventricolographic or echocardiographic evaluation; 2) normal coronary artery on coronary angiography performed 5 ± 9 hours from hospitalization; 3) new electrocardiographic ischemic-like abnormalities (either ST-segment elevation or T-wave inversion) and 4) emotional or physical trigger event. Results: At admission all pts had presumptive diagnosis of ACS and ECG revealed ST elevation in 3 (50%) and T wave inversion with QT elongation in 3 (50%). In the acute phase cardiogenic shock occurred in 2 (33%) and heart failure in 1(16%). Presenting symptoms were chest pain in 6 (100%), dyspnoea in 2 (33%) and lipotimia in 1 (16%). At echocardiographic-ventricolographic assessment, the mechanical dysfunction (ballooning) was apical in all 6 pts ("classic" TTS). In all patients wall motion abnormalities completely reversed within 4.5 ± 1.5 days. The region of initial recovery was the anterior and lateral wall in 4 cases and the lateral wall in 2 cases. Ejection fraction was 35 ± 8% in the acute phase and increased progressively at discharge (55 ± 6%) and at 41 ± 20 months follow-up (60 ± 4%, p < 0.001 vs. baseline). All patients remained asymptomatic with minimal (aspirin, beta blockers, antihypertensive and antidislipidemic therapy) treatment. Conclusion: Classic TTS is a frequent serendipitous diagnosis after coronary angiography showed "surprisingly" normal findings in a clinical setting mimicking an ACS. Despite its long-term good prognosis life threatening complications in the acute phase can occur.
- Subjects
ITALY; CARDIOMYOPATHIES; CORONARY disease; HEART diseases; PHYSIOLOGICAL stress; SYNDROMES
- Publication
Cardiovascular Ultrasound, 2007, Vol 5, p36
- ISSN
1476-7120
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1186/1476-7120-5-36