A Comprehensive Literature Review of the Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Management of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Syndrome

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is reported at an increasing frequency. Though it is considered a diagnosis of exclusion it remains a pathology requiring focused investigation and tailored management. Despite its prevalence most clinicians do not seem to have a good grasp on the diagnosis and the management of this condition. There have been a large number of published reports on the various aspects of this condition. Though a noxious emotional event seems to be the most commonly associated trigger, there are a large number of others that have been described. There are widely accepted diagnostic criteria based on clinical and investigational findings. Different investigational modalities have different yields in supporting or excluding the diagnosis. The clinical course and the prognosis too can have significant variety. As far as the management strategy is concerned there is no widely accepted pathways published as yet. Clinicians are guided by the clinical condition and the circumstances of the event to decide on the optimal management strategy. We have attempted in this detailed review to collate as much published material as possible to give the clinician reader a sound global insight into this important cardiac condition.