Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Watana Boonsom MD

Cardiovascular Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, University of Bangkok Metropolis

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is initially described in Japan. It occurs predominantly in woman especially after emotional or physical stress. Its unique clinical entities are transient left ventricular apical ballooning associated with symptoms, electrocardiographic changes and minimal cardiac enzyme release mimicking acute myocardial infarction. However, no evidence of coronary artery obstruction is demonstrated. Most patients will recover soon after acute event but serious cardiovascular complications or death could be detected in a few cases. In general, the prognosis is very good, however recurrent disease has been reported occasionally.

Keywords: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, left ventricular apical ballooning, transient ventricular dysfunction

Vajira Med J 2010 ; 54 : 379 - 385