Takotsubo Syndrome Versus Myocardial Infarction: what is the role of Echocardiography?

Abstract

Reversible left ventricle dysfunction is a key feature of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), but in the acute phase it can mimic an acute coronary syndrome, making this differentiation a significant challenge. Echocardiography is widely used in the early evaluation of these patients, and advanced imaging tools have highlighted the differences between both syndromes. The symmetrical pattern of left ventricular dysfunction, extending beyond the territory of a single coronary artery, associated with a less severe diastolic dysfunction, right ventricle involvement and a typical complete recovery of wall-motion abnormalities points towards the diagnosis of TTS. Despite all the imaging advances made so far, evaluation of coronary anatomy remains mandatory in these patients.