Reversible Left Ventricular Dysfunction Research Articles

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Induce Reversible Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Cardiac Dysfunction. Echocardiography Results of the HAARLEM Study.

Background: The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is not uncommon among strength athletes. Several cross-sectional studies have linked AAS use to heart disease, but a causal role for AAS is not certain and it is unknown whether cardiac changes are reversible.Methods: Men of at least 18 years old intending to start an AAS cycle on short notice were included for comprehensive 3D echocardiographic examination before (T0), at the end of the cycle (T1), and 1 year after inclusion (T2) after a recovery period. Details of the AAS cycle performed and the use of other performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) as well as illicit drug use were recorded. Trend analysis and multivariable regression analysis were performed with mixed effects linear models.Results: Thirty-one subjects were included. Between start (T0) and end of the cycle (T1), after a median AAS cycle duration of 16 weeks, 3D left ventricular ejection fraction declined with 4.9% (CI −7.2 to −2.5, P < 0.001), E/A-ratio declined with−0.45 (CI −0.69 to −0.21, P < 0.001), and 3D left atrial volume increased with 9.2 ml (CI 2.9–15.4, P = 0.004). Left ventricular mass increased with 28.3 g (CI 14.2–42.4, P < 0.001) and was positively correlated with AAS average weekly dose. After a median recovery time of 8 months (T2), all parameters returned to baseline.Conclusion: AAS induce left ventricular hypertrophy and impaired systolic and diastolic function in amateur strength athletes. The structural cardiac changes are positively associated with AAS dose and complete recovery occurred after AAS were discontinued.

Is it possible to expect left ventricular ejection fraction improvement in patients with known advanced heart diseases in the case of right atrial flutter treated by ablation?

Atrial flutter (AFL)-related tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TICM) is a treatable cause of heart failure (HF). This study aims to explore the effect of AFL ablation on left ventricular (LV) function in right AFL patients with or without advanced heart diseases. Between January 2013 and December 2019, 149 patients underwent ablation for persistent AFL. Among them, 60 patients with persistent right atrial (RA) flutter had symptomatic HF and elevated natriuretic peptide levels. Group 1 consisted of 35 patients without advanced heart diseases, and group 2 consisted of 25 patients with prior history of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or surgery for valvular heart disease (VHD). Follow-up echocardiography was performed 6months later. Improvement of LV performance was defined as LV ejection fraction (EF) increase ≥50% of baseline EF without clinical HF symptoms or LVEF recovery to ≥60%. Group 2 had larger LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV end-systolic volume than group 1. At follow-up, group 2 had larger LV end-systolic volume than group 1. Group 1 had more increase in LVEF than group 2 (21.7±15.2% vs 4.1±13.2%; P<.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the discrimination threshold of baseline LVEDV (137mL) in the overall study group for improvement of LV performance after ablation (P=.005). Successful ablation for right AFL could achieve more reversal of LV dysfunction in patients without advanced heart diseases. Pre-ablation LVEDV≥137mL was associated with no improvement of LV performance after ablation.

The Challenges of Tachycardia Induced Cardiomyopathy - a Case Report

Abstract Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) is characterized by reversible left ventricular dysfunction caused by long-standing tachycardia. Treatment options for tachyarrhythmias causing TIC have evolved, especially the rhythm control strategies, ensuring a better and more sustainable control of the arrhythmia. We report the case of a 46-year-old male presenting with acute heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AF) of unknown duration and severe left ventricular dysfunction, as well as left ventricular dilation. His medical history was relevant for atrial flutter treated with catheter ablation, hypertension, and frequent atrial ectopy for which he had been prescribed amiodarone. Coronary artery disease and other potential causes for left ventricular dysfunction were excluded with coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance. Thus, the patient had a high suspicion of TIC. We opted for a rhythm control strategy, however, after a successful initial electrical cardioversion, he had AF recurrence a few days later, under classic heart failure medication and antiarrhythmics. Pulmonary vein isolation was then performed, with no complications. At the one-month follow-up visit the patient was arrhythmia-free and had a normal left ventricular ejection fraction, with a slightly enlarged left ventricle. We opted to continue the heart failure medication. This case illustrates a typical case of AF induced TIC and the limited pharmacological options that exist for rhythm control, as well as the high efficacy of catheter ablation and value of imaging.

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Abstract Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) is characterized by reversible left ventricular (LV) dysfunction caused by long-standing tachycardia. The diagnosis of TIC is challenging due to lack of guidelines and specific assessment tools. Advanced imaging and endomyocardial biopsy should be taken into consideration in the future as contributors in the diagnostic process. There are numerous unknowns to TIC, the most pressing being the lack of diagnostic and prognostic tools. The presence of persistent negative LV remodeling after the normalization of the LV ejection fraction with adequate treatment of the tachycardia gives us a glimpse into the complex pathophysiologic processes at play, as well as the disease prognosis.

Role of Echocardiography in Managing a Rare Case of Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Presenting as Cardiogenic Shock after Prolonged Hip Surgery

One of the major causes of reversible left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It is characterized by angina, dyspnea, electrocardiogram changes (ST segment elevation and T wave changes on chest leads of electrocardiogram), echocardiographic changes (LV dysfunction with predominant apical involvement), elevation of troponin and brain natriuretic peptide, usually mimicking acute coronary syndrome. Coronary angiogram in such cases is either normal or shows only insignificant coronary disease. Although LV apical involvement is the commonest manifestation, about one-fifth of cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy have normal apical contractility but severe systolic dysfunction of the basal segments of the left ventricle. We report a case of reverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy developed in a relatively young patient following hip surgery and how three-dimensional and strain echocardiography clearly demonstrated the abnormality and aided the recovery of the patient.

Point-of-care ultrasound after attempted suicidal hanging

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) can provide critical information quickly to determine the etiology after cardiac arrest and may expedite a diagnosis in order to identify underlying treatable causes. We present a case of reversible acute left ventricular dysfunction after cardiopulmonary resuscitation following attempted suicide by hanging presenting with severe hypoxemia. FoCUS revealed findings consistent with severe left ventricular dysfunction, and point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) ruled out pneumothorax. These findings, in conjunction with the clinical presentation, facilitated an early identification and rapid evaluation of cardiogenic shock; furthermore, they led to the use of FoCUS, which can provide critical information quickly on site for a patient who is suddenly symptomatic after severe mechanical asphyxia in the pediatric emergency department, pediatric intensive care unit, or the prehospital setting.

Thiamine mediated reversal of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of thiamine supplementation on left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients of alcoholic cardiomyopathy(ACM) presenting with acute heart failure(HF). 11 newly diagnosed patients were included. They were treated with 3 days of intravenous(IV) therapy with thiamine followed by oral supplementation. LVEF was 30% at baseline which improved by 45% and 53% along with reduction in LV dimensions over 3 and 6 months respectively. The study suggests the benefit of thiamine supplementation on LVEF in ACM patients with HF.

Current Knowledge and Future Challenges in Takotsubo Syndrome: Part 2-Treatment and Prognosis.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) represents a form of acute heart failure featured by reversible left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The management during the acute phase is mainly performed with supportive pharmacological (diuretics, ACE-inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, non-catecholamine inotropics (levosimendan), and non-pharmacological (mechanical circulatory and respiratory support) therapy, due to the wide clinical presentation and course of the disease. However, there is a gap in evidence and there are no randomized and adequately powered studies on clinical effectiveness of therapeutic approaches. Some evidence supports the use ACE-inhibitors/ARBs at long-term. A tailored approach based on cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular risk factors is strongly suggested for long-term management. The urgent need for evidence-based treatment approaches is also reflected by the prognosis following TTS. The acute phase of the disease can be accompanied by various cardiovascular complications. In addition, long term outcome of TTS patients is also related to non-cardiovascular comorbidities. Physical triggers such as hypoxia and acute neurological disorders in TTS are associated with a poor outcome.

Premature ventricular complexes : Systematic review, evaluation and management

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are a common finding in general population and can be even considered physiologic in most cases. Nevertheless, very frequent isolated PVCs may lead to the development of a usually reversible left ventricular dysfunction or be a manifestation of an underlying cardiac condition that could be associated with more severe ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure or cardiac death. Three causative mechanisms of the PVCs have been proposed: abnormal automaticity, triggered activity and reentry supposing different diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Although many patients with PVCs remain completely asymptomatic, others may suffer from a wide range of symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, dyspnoea or dizziness of a variable degree. Proper characterisation of the PVCs, their burden and features, as well as the identification of their sites of origin and mechanisms should be pursued to establish the convenience of a conservative or therapeutic approach. Specific treatment with medical therapy or catheter ablation must be contemplated in symptomatic patients or in those who develop related systolic dysfunction or other kind of complications.

Anesthetic management of a patient with Takotsubo syndrome undergoing hip fracture repair

Introduction: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a type of acute reversible left ventricular dysfunction in the form of acute catecholaminergic myocardial stunning in the absence of occlusive coronary artery, with considerable patient morbidity and mortality1. The optimal anesthetic management of patients with TTS remains unclear. We would like to share our experience with a patient with TTS presenting for hip fracture repair. Methods: An 80-year old female complained of dyspnea and retrosternal chest pain after subcapital hip fracture. Her diagnostic workup revealed elevated markers of myocardial necrosis and pathologic findings from transthoracic echocardiogram. Left ventriculography imaging along with an unremarkable coronariography was suggestive of TTS. After the initial control of acute myocardial crisis, the patient was scheduled for hip fracture repair, under spinal anesthesia. Having obtained patient’s informed consent, we performed an ultrasound guided fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) (30 mL ropivacaine 0.5%/8 mg dexamethasone). Twenty minutes after the FICB, the patient was placed in the lateral decubitus position and 3 mL levobupivacaine 0.5% were injected intrathecally. A bolus dose of dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg followed by a continuous intravenous infusion at a rate of 0.5 mcg/kg/hour was initiated 10 min before lumbar puncture. The infusion was reduced to 0.25 mcg/kg/hour 30 min later due to a drop in systolic blood pressure 40% below baseline, until the end of surgery. Results: No complications occurred in the postoperative period. The patient walked on the second day and one week later she was discharged from hospital. Conclusion: To our knowledge, there are no reports of intraoperative dexmetomidine administration in TTS patients. Avoidance of adrenergic agonists and initiation of antiadrenergic therapy is suggestive by the pathogenesis of the syndrome [1]. Our main goal was the control of stress response [2, 3], performing FICB to facilitate perioperative analgesia and administering dexmetomidine, an agent with sedative, anxiolytic and analgesic properties.

Abstract 14314: Men Admitted With Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) Have Increased In-Hospital Morbidity and Mortality: Perspectives From the National Inpatient Sample Database

Introduction: Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS), also known as Stress Induced Cardiomyopathy, is characterized by reversible left ventricular dysfunction without obstructive coronary disease, and largely affects post-menopausal women. However, limited data suggest increased mortality risk in men. We sought to compare national in-hospital outcomes between men and women admitted with TTS. Methods: All patients above 18 years who were admitted with primary diagnosis of TTS between 2012-2017 were identified by International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 diagnostic codes in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database. The primary endpoint was in-hospital all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included in-hospital complications, total cost, and duration of hospitalization. Results: A total of 8732 patients (90.8% female) were admitted with primary diagnosis of TTS. Women with TTS were older compared to men (66.9±12.4 vs. 63.1±15.7 years, p&lt;0.001). However, men had increased tobacco use (48.8% vs 37.2%), alcohol use (11.6% vs 3.1%), and coronary artery disease (47.0% vs 39.7%, p&lt;0.001 for all). Prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, anemia, and heart failure was similar between groups. Men more frequently developed cardiogenic shock (7.1% vs 4.4%, p&lt;0.001) requiring mechanical circulatory support (2.9% vs 1.7%, p=0.01), and had greater all-cause mortality compared to women (2.5% vs 1.4%, p=0.01). Using a multivariate regression model to adjust for age, race, substance use, and comorbidities, male gender (OR 2.12, 95% CI [1.69-2.68], p&lt;0.001) and cardiogenic shock (OR 15.1, 95% CI [12.6-18.0], p&lt;0.001) were associated with increased all-cause mortality. Lastly, men experienced greater length and cost of stay (4.0±4.2 vs. 3.6±3.6 days, and $56,428 vs. $46,908), fewer routine discharges (74.3% vs. 77.6%), and greater need for skilled nursing facility (11.6% vs. 9.2%, p&lt;0.001 for all). Conclusion: TTS occurs predominantly in women but carries increased risk of in-hospital mortality in men, especially when complicated by cardiogenic shock. Perhaps improved risk stratification and early identification of patients with signs of shock or hemodynamic instability may help to improve outcomes.

Prognostic value of acute mitral insufficiency among patients admitted with Takotsubo syndrome. Preliminary data from a prospective multicenter registry

Abstract Background Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute and reversible left ventricular dysfunction, whose pathophysiological mechanisms are not completely known. Aim of the study is to evaluate the incidence and prognostic value of acute mitral insufficiency among TTS patients. Methods Three hundred sixteen consecutive patients admitted for TTS were enrolled from July 2007 to December 2019 in a prospective registry among four hospitals. Clinical features, laboratory data, ECG and echocardiographic parameters and in-hospital complications were recorded. Results Eighty-five (27%) patients, mean age 76±8 years, presented with moderate/severe mitral insufficiency (msMI). Compared to the control group, patients that presented with msMI were older (76±8 vs 71±12 years, p&amp;lt;0.01), had lower LVEF (34±7% vs 37±9% p=0.02) and experienced higher rate of in-hospital complications (42 vs 32% p=0.04). The incidence of in-hospital adverse events was higher in case of both msMI and LVEF &amp;lt;35% than in one of the two previous conditions or neither (69%, 42%, 23% respectively, p&amp;lt;0.05). Differences remained statistically significant even after correction for age and gender in the multivariate analysis. There was a reduction of mitral insufficiency from moderate/severe into mild in 30 out of 87 (34%) pts after 48h from admission and in 52 out of 87 pts at discharge (60%). Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) was found in 13 out of 87 (15%) pts with msMI at admission and was transient in 11 out of 13 pts (84%). At long term follow up (650 days) patients with msIM when compared to those without, experienced higher rate of mayor cardiovascular events (31.7% vs 20% p=0.03). Conclusions Patients with TTS and moderate/severe mitral insufficiency at admission have an increased risk of in and out-of hospital mayor cardiac adverse events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Patient characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in pregnancy: a retrospective analysis

Abstract Introduction Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TCM) is characterized by reversible left ventricular dysfunction and predominantly affects post-menopausal women. However, it is rarely identified as a cause of acute heart failure in pregnancy. Objective We aimed to determine patient characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of TCM occurring in pregnancy. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the United States - National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database from 2010–2014 to assess TCM in pregnant women ≥18 years using international classification of diseases 9th revision clinical modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. We compared patient demographics, co-morbidities and in-hospital outcomes between pregnant and non-pregnant women with TCM aged 18–49 years. Patients with a diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy were excluded. Chi-square test and Student-t test or Mann- Whitney U test were used for categorical and continuous variables with normal and skewed distribution, respectively. Results TCM occurred at a younger age in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women (Age [Mean ±SD]: 31.2±7.2 years vs. 41.8±7.1 years; p&amp;lt;0.001). Rates of TCM were higher during pregnancy in African American (19% vs. 11.5%; p=0.008), Hispanic (27.3% vs. 9.6%; p&amp;lt;0.001) and Asian women (11.3% vs. 2.6%; p&amp;lt;0.001) compared to non-pregnant women of similar race. However, among Caucasian women rates of TCM were higher in non-pregnant women (42.4% vs. 72.7%; p&amp;lt;0.001). There were no in-hospital deaths among pregnant women with TCM (0% vs. 5.2%; p=0.005), however they had higher rates of cardiogenic shock (13.8% vs. 5.8; p&amp;lt;0.001) and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation (51.7% vs. 20.9%; p&amp;lt;0.001). The average length of hospitalization was also longer among pregnant women with TCM (Days [Mean±SD]: 5.8±4 vs. 5.5±7.5; p&amp;lt;0.001). Pregnant women had lower rates of diagnostic angiography (24.1% vs. 55.6%; p&amp;lt;0.001). Pregnant women with TCM had higher rates of ventricular fibrillation (6.9% vs. 2.9%; p=0.02), but had no atrial fibrillation (0% vs. 2.6%; p=0.05), atrial flutter (0% vs. 0.4%; p=0.43), paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (0% vs. 0.5%; p=0.4) and ventricular tachycardia (0% vs. 4.8%; p=0.07). Pregnant women with TCM had lower rates of psychiatric and certain medical co-morbidities: anxiety (6.9% vs. 20.4%; p&amp;lt;0.001), depression (0% vs. 2.6%; p=0.05), bipolar disorder (0% vs. 0.8%; p=0.3), hypertension (27.6% vs. 40.3%; p=0.002), hyperlipidemia (3.4% vs. 25.7%; p&amp;lt;0.001) and smoking (6.9% vs. 40.2%; p&amp;lt;0.001). The rates of diabetes (13.8% vs. 15.9%; p=0.5) and obesity (10.3% vs. 8.2%; p=0.37) were similar between the two groups. Conclusion There was no in-hospital mortality observed in pregnant women who developed TCM, however, they had increased rates of cardiogenic shock, mechanical ventilation, ventricular fibrillation and had longer hospitalizations. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Reversible exercise-induced left ventricular dysfunction in symptomatic patients with previous Takotsubo syndrome: insights from stress echocardiography.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is usually associated with rapid and spontaneous recovery of left ventricular (LV) function. However, a proportion of patients may have persistent symptoms. This study aimed to determine the haemodynamic and LV contractile responses to exercise in these patients. Thirty symptomatic TTS patients referred for exercise echocardiography, a median of 15 months following the index TTS episode, were matched with 30 controls with normal exercise echocardiography. Beta-blockers were withheld prior to the test. LV volumes, ejection fraction (EF) and wall motion score index (WMSI), were measured at rest and stress. The TTS cohort were Caucasian women with mean age of 64.6 ± 7.4 years and similar coronary risk factor profile and EF to controls. Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), LV end-diastolic volume, wall stress, and right ventricular fractional area change were higher in TTS patients compared with controls. Stress echo data showed similar exercise time, peak heart rate, and peak SBP in TTS patients vs. controls, but TTS patients had higher LV volumes, lower exercise LVEF (70 ± 10% vs. 78 ± 7%; P = 0.001), ΔLVEF (4 ± 8% vs. 12 ± 5%; P < 0.001), and WMSI (1.4 ± 0.4 vs. 1 ± 0; P < 0.001) compared with controls. Twenty TTS patients had clear exercise-induced wall motion abnormalities, mainly involving the apex or more globally, with a mean ΔLVEF of 1% compared with 12% in controls. Among the other 10 TTS patients, the ΔLVEF was 10%. Symptomatic patients with previous TTS have a blunted contractile response to exercise. The therapeutic and prognostic implications of these findings need further investigation.

Nitrogen Dioxide Inhalation Exposures Induce Cardiac Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Production, Impair Mitochondrial Function and Promote Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction.

Traffic air pollution is a major health problem and is recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) diseases. In a previous experimental study, we showed that diesel exhaust (DE) exposures induced cardiac mitochondrial and CV dysfunctions associated with the gaseous phase. Here, we hypothesized that NO2 exposures to levels close to those found in DE induce a mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which contribute to an endothelial dysfunction, an early indicator for numerous CV diseases. For this, we studied the effects of NO2 on ROS production and its impacts on the mitochondrial, coronary endothelial and cardiac functions, after acute (one single exposure) and repeated (three h/day, five days/week for three weeks) exposures in Wistar rats. Acute NO2 exposure induced an early but reversible mitochondrial ROS production. This event was isolated since neither mitochondrial function nor endothelial function were impaired, whereas cardiac function assessment showed a reversible left ventricular dysfunction. Conversely, after three weeks of exposure this alteration was accompanied by a cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction highlighted by an alteration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation and an increase in mitochondrial ROS production. Moreover, repeated NO2 exposures promoted endothelial dysfunction of the coronary arteries, as shown by reduced acetylcholine-induced vasodilatation, which was due, at least partially, to a superoxide-dependent decrease of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. This study shows that NO2 exposures impair cardiac mitochondrial function, which, in conjunction with coronary endothelial dysfunction, contributes to cardiac dysfunction. Together, these results clearly identify NO2 as a probable risk factor in ischemic heart diseases.

MFGE8, ALB, APOB, APOE, SAA1, A2M, and C3 as Novel Biomarkers for Stress Cardiomyopathy.

Background Stress cardiomyopathy (SCM) is a transient reversible left ventricular dysfunction that more often occurs in women. Symptoms of SCM patients are similar to those of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but little is known about biomarkers. The goals of this study were to identify the potentially crucial genes and pathways associated with SCM. Methods We analyzed microarray datasets GSE95368 derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Firstly, identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SCM patients in normal patients. Then, the DEGs were used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Finally, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and Cytoscape was used to find the key genes. Results In total, 25 DEGs were identified, including 10 upregulated genes and 15 downregulated genes. These DEGs were mainly enriched in ECM-receptor interaction, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), human papillomavirus infection, and focal adhesion, whereas in GO function classification, they were mainly enriched in the extracellular region, positive regulation of the multicellular organismal process, establishment of localization, and intracellular vesicle. Conclusion Seven hub genes contained APOE, MFGE8, ALB, APOB, SAA1, A2M, and C3 identified as hub genes of SCM, which might be used as diagnostic biomarkers or molecular targets for the treatment of SCM.

Takotsubo syndrome after mitral valve replacement and defibrillation

The article describes the case of Takotsubo syndrome, which arose in a 71-year-old female patient after a mitral heart valve replacement , performed due to its severe (3rd degree) insufficiency of non-rheumatic genesis. This pathology is quite rare. Questions of its etiology and pathogenesis remain controversial. A special feature of this case is the development of reversible left ventricular dysfunction in the early postoperative period after mitral valve replacement. The reduction of the left ventricular ejection fraction to 25% with hyperkinesia of its basal parts with subsequent recovery of the ejection fraction to 56% 3 weeks after the onset of the disease was observed. There were also electrocardiographic changes simulating acute circular myocardial infarction with the absence of hemodynamically significant lesions of the coronary arteries. The patient had risk factors for this syndrome (age, female gender, stress situation, surgical intervention, administration of dobutamine and fluoroquinolones). For the reasons given above, the presence of Takotsubo syndrome was suspected. This case demonstrates the possibility of developing takotsubo syndrome after cardiosurgical interventions and defibrillation.

Electrocardiographic features of the presence of occult myocardial disease in patients with VPD-induced cardiomyopathy.

BackgroundFrequent ventricular premature depolarizations (VPDs) can cause reversible cardiomyopathy (CMP). However, many patients maintain a normal left ventricular (LV) function with a high VPD burden. The electrocardiographic characteristics of VPD‐induced CMP have not been elucidated.MethodsOne hundred and eighty (91 men, age; 51 ± 15 years) patients with frequent idiopathic VPDs (>10% VPDs/day or >10 000 VPDs/day) were studied. All patients underwent successful ablation and were then divided into two groups according to the echocardiographic findings before and after the ablation procedure.ResultsGroup A (n = 139) had a normal LV function with VPD frequencies, and Group B (n = 41) had reversible LV dysfunction after ablation. The VPD QRS duration (QRSd) was wider in patients with CMP (Group A vs Group B; 137.2 ± 12.0 milliseconds vs 159.7 ± 5.3 milliseconds, P < .001). VPDs with a terminal QRS delay marked by a notch followed by a discrete lower amplitude signal after the peak R wave in any precordial lead were identified. The incidence of terminal signals was higher in the CMP group (Group A vs Group B; 2.1% vs 53.6%, P < .001).ConclusionsThe wider VPD QRSd and terminal QRS delay in patients with VPD‐induced CMP suggest subclinical cell‐to‐cell conduction abnormalities as a potential factor predisposing VPD‐induced CMP.

Hypoxic Coma Due to Takotsubo Syndrome after Toxic Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Objectives: Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is clinically characterized as an acute coronary syndrome with rapid development and subsequent resolution of severe, reversible left ventricular dysfunction. We describe a case of TS induced by an acute, severe reduction of oxygen supply resulting in a life threatening carbon monoxide poisoning and leading to coma. A 58 year-old woman was referred to Emergency Room (ER) with cardiogenic shock and hypoxic coma.

A case of reversible severe left ventricular dysfunction which induced by Anthracycline cardiotoxicity

A case of reversible severe left ventricular dysfunction which induced by Anthracycline cardiotoxicity