A Rare Cardiovascular Complication of Covid-19, Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy – Review

Abstract

As the COVID-19 cases are anticipated to rise globally, there may be rise in associated cardiovascular complications. COVID-19 could trigger several cardiomyopathies, including a rare complication of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TCM). It is often presumed that mental trauma, elevated catecholamine’s excessive immune responses, and viral cytotoxicity could be pathways for inducing TCM. Health professionals should be familiar with different cardiovascular complications and appropriate screening tools, which include cardiac ultrasound and bedside echocardiography. In high-risk COVID-19 patients, a simple history of previous psychiatric conditions and some other possible risk factors for the Takotsubo syndrome could assist in screening. Besides, the diagnosis must be considered, and efficient management should be initiated. There can be multiple direct and indirect factors manifesting as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in COVID-19 patients. On other hand, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may also be observed in the non-COVID-19 patients due to other stressors. Therefore, more extensive research work and further studies are required to learn more about the exact mechanism and relation between Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and COVID-19. Here, we aim to complete a literature review of suspected or known Takotsubo cardiomyopathy related to COVID-19. The main objective of this manuscript is to provide information reported by healthcare providers across the globe on reported comorbidities, potential pathophysiology, and optimal management of stress cardiomyopathy that generally has a favorable outcome.