Takotsubo Syndrome and Embolic Events

Heart Fail Clin. 2016 Oct;12(4):543-50. doi: 10.1016/j.hfc.2016.06.011. Epub 2016 Jul 30.

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), initially defined as a benign disease, is associated with several complications. One of them is a thromboembolism, which is clinically presented by events such as stroke, ventricular thrombi, and peripheral embolization, and can be present at index event of TCC as well as at any time in disease course. Patients with elevated C-reactive protein levels, markedly elevated D-dimers and severely impaired left ventricular function seem to be at higher risk of developing thrombemboli. Treatment strategies prescribed in the management of thombembolic complications in patients with acute myocardial infarction includes a short course of anticoagulation. A similar analogy could also be considered for patients with TTC presenting with this complications. Nevertheless, an individualized close-follow-up is of utmost importance to avoid any relapse and not to oversee any impeding complications in light of dynamic processes in myocardial stunning.

Keywords: Stroke; Takotsubo cardiomyopathy; Thromboembolic events; Ventricular thrombus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Precision Medicine
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / blood*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / pathology
  • Thromboembolism / diagnosis*
  • Thromboembolism / drug therapy
  • Thromboembolism / pathology

Substances

  • Anticoagulants