Takotsubo syndrome is an acute cardiac syndrome first described in 1990 and characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction affecting more than one coronary artery territory, and often in a circumferential apical, mid-ventricular or basal distribution. A number of pathophysiological explanations for this syndrome with its intriguing appearance have been proposed, and there is a growing awareness that these are not mutually exclusive, and that the reversible apical myocardial dysfunction observed could result from more than one pathophysiological phenomenon. The pathophysiology of takotsubo syndrome is complex, with integration of both neuroendocrine physiology involving the cognitive centres of the brain and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and the cardiovascular responses to the sudden sympathetic activation and surge in circulating catecholamines. The latter have been explored in detail, starting with the histological findings at biopsy, with the multiple morphological changes seen in the myocardium matching those seen after established catecholamine cardiotoxic effects. Clinically, both the acute prognosis and recurrence rate are unfortunately worse than previously reported. It is clear that the modern cardiology community has much still to learn regarding the epidemiology and the underlying pathophysiology of this fascinating condition in order to improve diagnostic and treatment pathways.
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Key points Approximately 2% of all patients presenting to the hospitals with suspected acute coronary syndrome are usually identified with takotsubo syndrome. There is a predominance in post-menopausal women compared to men or younger women. Both the acute and long-term mortality are higher than previously recognized.The cumulative incidence of recurrence increased from 1.2% at first 6 months to nearly 5% at 6 years, and there is no current evidence to support treatment with any specific to prevent recurrence. Systemic surges in catecholamines may cause vascular effects including acute coronary vasospasm and severe acute hypertension due to acute peripheral vasospasm followed by later peripheral vasodilation and hypotension. In the clinical setting, profound hypotension and cardiogenic shock is a common complication, however, it is not solely related to the extent of impairment of left ventricular (LV) systolic function, and thus probably relates in part to inappropriate peripheral vasodilation. Biopsies during acute takotsubo syndrome are characterized by multiple morphological changes that are similar to those after catecholamine cardiotoxic effects supporting a direct effect in addition to the vascular influences. The apical myocardium of the left ventricle has the highest density of β-adrenergic receptors (βAR), and is therefore most sensitive to circulating catecholamines.