broken heart classically refers to an emotional state caused by psychological pain. Current research indicates that a broken heart is a true medical condition, not just a play on words. Broken heart syndrome is due to an exaggerated sympathetic response to stress that causes a severe but reversible left ventricular failure. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a reversible left ventricular dysfunction t...

To the Editor: In the very interesting paper concerning takotsubo and long QT syndrome, published recently in the Journal,1 the authors concluded that many questions regarding the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of this syndrome remain unanswered and have asked for further studies in order to elucidate these issues. This follows previous appeals for worldwide efforts and research in or...

In Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, the left ventricle shows apical ballooning combined with basal hypercontractility. Both clinical observations in humans and recent experimental work on isolated rat ventricular myocytes suggest the dominant mechanisms of this syndrome are related to acute catecholamine overload. However, relating observed differences in single cells to the capacity of such alteratio...

BACKGROUND Left ventricular (LV) thrombi during Takotsubo syndrome represent a potential complication and can be associated with cerebrovascular embolic events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exact incidence, predictors, and management strategies of LV thrombi in patients with Takotsubo syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS We enrolled 541 consecutive patients in a multicenter internationa...

BACKGROUND Takotsubo cardiomyopathy also known as transient balooning syndrome is an increasingly reported phenomenon characterized by acute reversible apical or midventricular dysfunction. This stress- induced cardiomyopathy mimics myocardial infarction, but without significant coronary artery disease, and rarely presents in perioperative period. METHODS AND RESULTS We report a case of postm...

In Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, the left ventricle shows apical ballooning combined with basal hypercontractility. Both clinical observations in humans and recent experimental work on isolated rat ventricular myocytes suggest the dominant mechanisms of this syndrome are related to acute catecholamine overload. However, relating observed differences in single cells to the capacity of such alteratio...

Transient left ventricular apical dyskinesia accompanied by chest pain, mimicking acute coronary syndrome, dynamic reversible ST-T segment abnormalities, minimal myocardial enzymes release disproportionate to the extent of dyskinesia,in the absence of obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease is characteristic of transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome.1 It was first describe...

OBJECTIVE Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a cardiac syndrome with an acute onset defined by chest symptoms and ST segment elevation on electrocardiograms. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is sometimes misdiagnosed as acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Therefore a non-invasive diagnostic method is needed to be established for setting up appropriate strategies. The purpose of this study was to detect myocard...

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a form of transient, reversible left ventricular dysfunction that can mimic an acute coronary event. However, cardiac catheterization often reveals normal coronary arteries. Patients are often postmenopausal women who experience acute physical or emotional distress. The prognosis for this entity is quite favorable. In this report, we present three cases of Takotsubo ...