The First Epidemiologic Perspective on Takotsubo Syndrome in Patients With Takayasu Arteritis and Its Impact on Inpatient Outcomes: Comment on the Report by Lim et al

Abstract

Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a chronic inflammatory condition of large blood vessels primarily affecting the aorta and its main branches (1). Although more prevalent in Asians, it has a worldwide distribution. Increased oxidative stress perpetuating the inflammatory response and activity of matrix metalloproteinase are commonly proposed mechanisms for the occurrence of TAK (2). The persistent inflammatory response in TAK can lead to the involvement of pulmonary/coronary artery or myocardium (3). Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) has been recently reported to result in worse outcomes comparable to acute coronary syndrome (4). The variety of risk factors make certain individuals more susceptible to TTS and adversely influence their outcomes (5). Recently, Lim et al. have reported the first-ever case of TTS in a 51-year old female with TAK (6). However, the epidemiology and outcomes of TTS patients with TAK have never been studied.