Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a transient, reversible form of cardiomyopathy which predominantly affects post-menopausal women and is an important differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. It is characterised by normal (or near-normal) coronary arteries, regional wall motion abnormalities that extend beyond a single coronary vascular bed, and often proceeded by a stressful event. The pathophysiologic mechanism is complex and remains to be elucidated. There is increasing awareness among physicians about TC and hence, more cases are being reported. The diagnosis of TC has important clinical implications in the management at presentation and afterward. In this review, we discuss the demographics, clinical features, prognosis and management of this cardiomyopathy.