Transient Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Research Articles

A contemporary update on cancer and takotsubo syndrome.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by a transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction, burdened by significant acute and long-term mortality and morbidity. The prognosis of TTS, especially in the long-term, is influenced by both non-cardiovascular (non-CV) and CV comorbidities, among which cancer is one of the most common. The presence of a malignancy is proven to be associated with higher mortality in TTS. Moreover, a number of anticancer treatments has been reported to possibly cause TTS as a form of cardiotoxicity, even though clearcut associations are lacking. The aim of this narrative review is to sum up contemporary knowledge on the association of cancer and TTS, addressing unmet needs and practical implications. The importance of a close collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists is herein highlighted, both to allow an adequate management of the acute TTS phase, and to actively and safely return to the oncologic management once the acute setting is resolved.

Hemodialysis-induced Myocardial Stunning with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease: Pathophysiological Significance of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction.

Hemodialysis (HD)-induced myocardial stunning, characterized by transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction during HD, has been reported to be common and associated with a poor prognosis. However, the pathophysiology is not fully understood. We herein report a case of HD-induced myocardial stunning without obstructive coronary artery disease complicated by coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), suggesting that CMD plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of this disease.

Updates on Prognostication of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Literature Review

Abstract Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), commonly known as “broken heart syndrome” or “stress cardiomyopathy,” is characterized by transient left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, usually in the absence of significant obstructive coronary artery stenosis. The pathophysiology of TTC remains elusive; however, the three most common plausible mechanisms include catecholamine surge causing myocardial stunning, multivessel coronary spasm, and microvascular dysfunction. Although initially thought to be a benign, reversible, and transient disorder, newer research data demonstrate that TTC may sometimes have severe short-term complications and some long-term residual effects. Several risk factors have been associated with the outcomes of TTC. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the prognostication of TTC in the context of different clinical variables presented in multiple research studies. Various clinical factors, including the types of TTC triggers, the patient’s sex, the presence of cardiogenic shock, atrial arrhythmias, LV tract obstruction, and the presence of certain other clinical comorbidities may significantly impact patient outcomes in TTC patients. A thorough understanding of these factors helps clinicians to better prognosticate the outcome of their patients. Furthermore, early institution of aggressive treatment interventions in the presence of these risk factors may improve the subsequent clinical course.

TAKOTSUBO SYNDROME

Takotsubo syndrome, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, stress-induced cardiomyopathy, transient apical ballooning and broken heart syndrome, is a disease characterized by transient regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction. It is usually determined by emotional or physical stress. Even though it was thought to be a self-limiting condition, Takotsubo syndrome is now known to be associated with important short and long-term morbidity and mortality. Takotsubo syndrome affects 2-3% of all patients and 5-6% of female patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (frequently women in the sixth decade). The Takotsubo syndrome cases are mostly preceded by acute emotional or physical triggers such as: family death, financial loss, anxiety, excessive work, domestic abuse, anxiety, fear for medical procedures, severe pain, sepsis, post surgeries, and cancer. Diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome can sometimes be difficult due to clinical manifestations similar to acute myocardial infarction. Myocardial necrosis biomarkers (Troponin I, Troponin T and Creatinin kinase) are elevated, with values comparable to those in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Transthoracic echocardiography usually shows akinetic or dyskinetic apical and mid-ventricular segments of the left ventricle compared to the hyperkinetic basal segments (“apical ballooning” aspect) and left ventricle systolic dysfunction. The positive diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome is made on coronary angiography, normal or non-obstructive coronary artery disease

Rethinking Tako-tsubo Cardiomyopathy: The Contribution of Myocardial Pathology and Molecular Imaging.

Despite substantial research, the mechanisms behind stress Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) remain rather elusive. The purpose of this paper was to provide a detailed review of the mainstream factors underlying the pathophysiology of TTC, highlighting the novel contributions of molecular pathology and in-vivo molecular imaging. A careful literature review selected all papers discussing TTC, specifically those providing novel insights from myocardial pathology and cardiac molecular imaging. Results concerning myocardial pathology, defect extension, sites and relationships between functional parameters underline the existence of a causal relationship between a determinant (e.g., the release of catecholamines induced by stress) and an outcome for TTC, which is not limited to a reversible contractile cardiomyopathy, but it includes reversible changes in myocardial perfusion and a long-lasting residual deficit in sympathetic function. Besides, they reinforce the hypothesis that sympathetic nerves may exert a complex control on cardiac contractile function, which is likely to be direct or indirect through metabolism and microvascular perfusion changes during anaerobic and aerobic conditions. TTC is characterized by acute transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction, which can be challenging to distinguish from myocardial infarction at presentation. Catecholamineinduced myocardial injury is the most established theory, but other factors, including myocardial metabolism and perfusion, should be considered of utmost importance. Each effort to clarify the numerous pathways and emerging abnormalities may provide novel approaches to treat the acute episode, avoid recurrences, and prevent major adverse cardiovascular events.

Cardiovascular complications of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy

Abstract Background Mechanisms of cardiotoxicity during chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy remain unclear to this day, with the main hypotheses revolving around IL-6 mediated myocardial depression during cytokine release syndrome (CRS), stress-induced or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and direct toxicity from CAR-T cells. Hereby we present the experience of a regional referral centre for CAR-T therapy and the program developed with a dedicated cardio-oncology centre. Purpose To provide preliminary data on cardiovascular-related toxicity of CAR-T therapy in terms of incidence and management. Methods All consecutive candidates for CAR-T therapy were prospectively enrolled since the inception of the CAR-T program in our institution (2021). All patients were refractory to at least two lines of immune chemotherapy and had already undergone anthracycline treatment. After conditioning, all patients were treated with autologous CAR-T cells (tisagenlecleucel, Kymriah). Prior to CAR-T cell therapy, all patients underwent baseline cardiac evaluation at our cardio-oncology facility, including a 12-lead ECG, a complete echocardiogram and cardiac biomarkers. The same routine was performed before discharge, after one month. Supplementary evaluations were performed by an on-call cardio-oncology team according to the attending physicians. Results Eleven patients (6 males, mean age 60±11 years) underwent CAR-T cell infusion. Over the course of follow-up, six patients (54%) experienced CRS after a median follow-up of 12 days (7-40). Two patients with mild symptoms (Grade I) were managed with non-cardiac-related therapy while three Grade 2 patients had to start cardioprotective drugs (ACE-Is and beta-blockers) for transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction (mean lowest LVEF 44.8±3.7%). One patient experienced a Grade IV CRS due to takotsubo syndrome complicated by cardiogenic shock on day 4 and required high-dose vasopressors and mechanical ventilation. Patients experiencing a CRS had similar demographical characteristics and medical history but standard echocardiogram before CAR-T showed a lower baseline LVEF (54.5±5.6% vs 64.6±6.7%; p=.02) and lower baseline right longitudinal systolic function markers (TAPSE: 19±3 vs. 24±4 mm; p=.02 S': .09±.01 vs .13±.02 m/s; p=.03). Cardiac biomarkers (high-sensitivity Troponin I and NT-proBNP) did not show any significant predictive power at baseline. All CRS patients showed a progressive recovery of ventricular function and survived up to one-year of follow-up. Conclusions CAR-T therapy is associated with an increased risk of cardiotoxicity, with up to 36% of all patients requiring unscheduled cardio-oncology evaluation and management both during admission and after discharge. Cardiac adverse events range in degree of severity and should be promptly managed by a dedicated team.

Abstract 17123: Opioid Withdrawal Causing a Broken Heart!

Introduction: Takotsubo syndrome is a condition characterized by transient acute left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Although it was previously thought of as a benign self-limiting condition, it is now known to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Case: A 26-year-old male patient with past medical history of Fentanyl abuse now on methadone, presented with features of opioid withdrawal. ECG on arrival was normal sinus rhythm with QTc 488 ms. with a troponin of 2.63. Due to excessive agitation and vomiting, he was given IV haloperidol and ondansetron. The patient then became unresponsive and sustained a cardiac arrest. He was found to be in polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and was able to be resuscitated. ECG after resuscitation demonstrated new yamaguchi T waves with a QTc 597 ms and troponin of 6.60. Transthoracic echocardiography subsequently revealed a reduced ejection fraction of 35% with apical hypokinesis, and he was referred for an ischemic evaluation with CTA coronary that showed normal coronary arteries. He was diagnosed with takotsubo cardiomyopathy and was initiated on dapagliflozin, metoprolol succinate and losartan. For opioid dependence, he was prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone being mindful of his QTc and was provided a wearable cardioverter defibrillator on discharge. Final ECG demonstrated QTc of 465 ms. Discussion: Opioid withdrawal is known to cause a high adrenergic state and this catecholamine excess can result in cardiac stunning, creating transient left ventricular dysfunction along with wall motion abnormalities. Patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy typically have normal coronary arteries. Approximately 4.5% of these patients can die during their hospitalization and 4% can die within 30 days of discharge. So, clinicians must keep a high index of suspicion for this syndrome in patients with history of substance use disorder, especially in the setting of troponin elevation.

Abstract 15399: Cardiac Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Women With a History of Takotsubo Syndrome: A Novel Stress Myocardial Radionuclide Imaging Strategy

Introduction: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by transient left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, triggered by physical or emotional stress, and associated with increased long-term cardiovascular morbidity. Cardiac iodine-123-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) imaging has previously demonstrated sympathetic hyperactivity in the TTS subacute state which improves at follow-up during rest imaging. Cardiac neuronal dysfunction in response to stress has not been evaluated in recovered TTS. Hypothesis: Sympathetic hyperactivity, as measured by stress mIBG, is abnormal in TTS after recovery of LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: To elicit a sympathetic challenge, women with history of TTS with recovered LVEF (n=19) and asymptomatic age- and sex-matched reference controls (n=10) underwent treadmill (6 minutes) with simultaneous mental-stress testing (public speaking with anger recall). mIBG (10 mCi) was injected during exercise, and planar and SPECT imaging were performed at 15 min (early) and 240 min (late), followed by Tc-99m tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion imaging. Early and late heart-to-mediastinal ratio (HMR) and washout rate (WR) corrected for background were calculated. Results: Median time from last TTS event was 23 months (range 4-56). Overall mean age was 60± 12 years, body mass index 25 ± 4kg/m 2 , resting LVEF 70 ± 7%, 41% hypertension and 0% diabetes with no difference between TTS and controls. TTS had higher resting (140 ± 22 vs 123 ± 19 mmHg, p=0.049) and peak (187 ± 17 vs 171 ± 15 mmHg, p= 0.018) systolic blood pressure. While the early HMR and WR were similar, the late HMR was significantly lower in the TTS group (Figure). Conclusions: Women with a history of TTS have lower late HMR but similar WR, suggesting neuronal dysfunction in response to sympathetic challenge persists long after recovery from TTS event. Further analysis of catecholamine levels and central nervous system neural pathways will explore the mechanism of dysregulation.

Beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors for Takotsubo syndrome recurrence: a network meta-analysis

IntroductionTakotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute heart failure syndrome, featured by transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Recurrences of TTS are not infrequent and there is no standard preventive therapy. The...

Heart involvement in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children correlated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a review by ANMCO/SICP

Acute clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are generally less severe in childhood, however a proportion of them can develop a severe systemic hyperinflammatory syndrome after SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as the multisystem inflammatory syndrome (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, MIS-C). Cardiovascular manifestations in MIS-C are frequent (34-82%), including myocardial dysfunction, coronary artery dilation or aneurysms, arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, pericarditis and valvulitis. The most affected cases can develop cardiogenic shock needing intensive care unit admission, inotropic support and sometimes even mechanical circulatory support. The elevation of myocardial necrosis markers, the frequently transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction and the presence of changes on magnetic resonance imaging, support the hypothesis of an immune-mediated post-viral pathogenesis similar to myocarditis. Although MIS-C shows excellent short-term survival, further studies are needed to demonstrate complete reversibility of residual subclinical heart damage.

P436 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN REVERSE–TAKO–TSUBO E NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER

Abstract Reverse–Tako–tsubo (r–TTC) is a rare variant of Tako–tsubo syndrome (TTC). TTC is characterized by transient and reversible left ventricular systolic dysfunction, for which an emotional or physical stressful trigger can usually be identified. Clinically, it mimics an acute myocardial infarction, with elevation of myocardial cytonecrosis enzymes and no obstractive coronary artery stenosis. On imaging, r–TTC is characterized by hypokinesia of the mid–basal regions associated with hyperkinesia of the apical region that resolves spontaneously. Case report: 78–year–old female affected by cerebral atrophy, leukoencephalopathy, cognitive impairment, behavior disorders. Reported episode of loss of consciousness lasting several minutes, associated with spontaneously resolving tremors and left hemisome hyposthenia. When she arrived in the emergency room, the haematological tests found high troponin values. On CT brain without contrast, no evidence of alterations of the encephalic tissues referable to acute lesions, but it showed of diffuse supratentorial leukoaraiosis and widening of the cerebrospinal fluid spaces on an atrophic basis. The neurological evaluation excludes the presence of a seizure. The electrocardiogram showed diffuse negative T waves and QTc 636 ms. The coronary angiography didn’t show significant coronary arteries stenosis and the ventriculography showed normal ventricular dimensions with total akinesia of the mid segments and normokinesia of the apical region with an ejection fraction of 50%. With these findings a diagnosis of mid left ventricular Tako–tsubo (r–TTC) was made. Transthoracic color Doppler echocardiography confirmed the alterations of the left ventricular kinetics observed by ventriculography. Conclusions compared to CTT, r–TTC is associated with a lower decline in global systolic function and, as reported in the literature, there is a greater connection to neurological insults as triggering factors, such as episodes of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, brain surgery, ischemic stroke seizures and traumatic brain injury. The underlying mechanisms are still unknown, a crucial role in catecholamine–induced cardiotoxicity, coronary microvascular dysfunction or coronary vasospasm and/or estrogen deficiency is hypothesized.

Manganese-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Takotsubo Syndrome.

Takotsubo syndrome is an acute cardiac emergency characterized by transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction typically following a stressful event. Despite its rapidly rising incidence, its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Takotsubo syndrome may pass unrecognized, especially if timely diagnostic imaging is not performed. Defective myocardial calcium homeostasis is a central cause of contractile dysfunction and has not been explored in takotsubo syndrome. We aimed to investigate myocardial calcium handling using manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging during the acute and recovery phases of takotsubo syndrome. Twenty patients with takotsubo syndrome (63±12 years of age; 90% female) and 20 volunteers matched on age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors (59±11 years of age; 70% female) were recruited from the Edinburgh Heart Centre between March 2020 and October 2021. Patients underwent gadolinium and manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging during index hospitalization with repeat manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging performed after at least 3 months. Compared with matched control volunteers, patients had a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (51±11 versus 67±8%; P<0.001), increased left ventricular mass (86±11 versus 57±14 g/m2; P<0.001), and, in affected myocardial segments, elevated native T1 (1358±49 versus 1211±28 ms; P<0.001) and T2 (60±7 versus 38±3 ms; P<0.0001) values at their index presentation. During manganese-enhanced imaging, kinetic modeling demonstrated a substantial reduction in myocardial manganese uptake (5.1±0.5 versus 8.2±1.1 mL/[100 g of tissue ·min], respectively; P<0.0001), consistent with markedly abnormal myocardial calcium handling. After recovery, left ejection fraction, left ventricular mass, and T2 values were comparable with those of matched control volunteers. Despite this, native and postmanganese T1 and myocardial manganese uptake remained abnormal compared with matched control volunteers (6.6±0.5 versus 8.2±1.1 mL/[100 g of tissue ·min]; P<0.0001). In patients with takotsubo syndrome, there is a profound perturbation of myocardial manganese uptake, which is most marked in the acute phase but persists for at least 3 months despite apparent restoration of normal left ventricular ejection fraction and resolution of myocardial edema, suggesting abnormal myocardial calcium handling may be implicated in the pathophysiology of takotsubo syndrome. Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging has major potential to assist in the diagnosis, characterization, and risk stratification of patients with takotsubo syndrome. URL: https://www. gov; Unique identifier: NCT04623788.

Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in Takotsubo syndrome

Abstract Background Takotsubo syndrome is an increasingly common acute cardiac emergency characterised by profound transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction following a stressful event. Its pathophysiology remains poorly understood and a third of patients will have a major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular event by 5 years [1]. Defective myocardial calcium homeostasis is central to contractile dysfunction and may be implicated in its pathophysiology. Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is a novel non-invasive imaging technique that assesses myocardial manganese uptake as a measure of myocardial calcium handling [2]. Our aim was to investigate myocardial calcium handling using manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging during the acute and recovery phase of takotsubo syndrome. Methods This single centre case-controlled observational longitudinal cohort study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and ethical committee approval with written informed consent. Twenty patients with takotsubo syndrome and 20 age, sex and cardiovascular risk factor matched volunteers were recruited between March 2020 and September 2021. Patients underwent gadolinium and manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging during the index event with repeat manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging after 3 months. Myocardial manganese uptake was characterised by Patlak modelling. Results During the acute presentation, most patients had an “apical” pattern of takotsubo syndrome with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (51±11 versus 67±8%, P&amp;lt;0.001, Figure 1), elevated left ventricular mass (89±11 versus 57±14 g/m2, P&amp;lt;0.01) and native T1 (1358±49 versus 1211±28 ms, P&amp;lt;0.001) and T2 (60±7 versus 38±3 ms, P&amp;lt;0.001) values compared to matched volunteers. Patlak modelling demonstrated reduced myocardial manganese uptake (5.1±0.5 versus 8.0±1.0 mL/100g of tissue/min, P&amp;lt;0.0001) consistent with a major abnormality of myocardial calcium handling. Reduced myocardial manganese uptake attributable to apical takotsubo syndrome could be seen in one patient, scanned 18 days after symptom onset despite apparent resolution of cardiac function. Beyond 3 months of convalescence, left ventricular mass, ejection fraction, native T1 and T2 values were comparable to matched volunteers. Despite this, myocardial calcium handling remained abnormal compared to matched volunteers (6.7±0.7 versus 8.0±1.0 mL/100 g of tissue/min, P&amp;lt;0.001, Figure 2). Conclusions In patients with takotsubo syndrome, there is a profound perturbation of myocardial calcium handling which is most marked acutely but persists after apparent recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction and resolution of myocardial oedema. Abnormal myocardial calcium handling is implicated in the pathophysiology of takotsubo syndrome and manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging could play a major role in the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with takotsubo syndrome. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Medical Research CouncilBritish Heart Foundation

Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a Patient With Commotio Cordis

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), also known as stress cardiomyopathy or “broken heart syndrome”, is characterized by acute transient regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease or acute plaque rupture. Atypical forms and rare anatomical variants can have different presentations; hence, recognition becomes more important. Prognosis is much more favorable if managed appropriately. An equally infrequent cause of cardiac arrest is commotio cordis (CC). This is defined as sudden cardiac death secondary to a blunt chest wall impact leading to ventricular arrhythmias. We report a case with findings of TCM and/or CC in a patient with a blunt chest trauma in the setting of motor vehicle accident.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Following Traumatic Hand Amputation: A Case Report.

IntroductionTakotsubo or stress cardiomyopathy is a syndrome of transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction seen in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease.Case ReportWe describe a case of stress cardiomyopathy diagnosed in the emergency department (ED) using point-of-care ultrasound associated with traumatic hand amputation. The patient suffered a near-complete amputation of the right hand while using a circular saw, subsequently complicated by brief cardiac arrest with rapid return of spontaneous circulation. Point-of-care ultrasonography in the ED revealed the classic findings of takotsubo cardiomyopathy, including apical ballooning of the left ventricle and hyperkinesis of the basal walls with a severely reduced ejection fraction. After formalization of the amputation and cardiovascular evaluation, the patient was discharged from the hospital in stable condition 10 days later.ConclusionEmergency physicians should be aware of the possibility of stress cardiomyopathy as a cause for acute decompensation, even in isolated extremity trauma.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after cryoballoon pulmonary vein ablation in a patient with persistent atrial fibrillation: clinical case

We present a case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy characterized as acute transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction in a patient with persistent atrial fibrillation, that occurred after cryoballoon pulmonary vein ablation procedure.

Takotsubo Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Emerging Concepts, and Clinical Implications.

Takotsubo syndrome is a condition characterized by acute transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction, which at presentation can be challenging to distinguish from acute myocardial infarction. Although previously thought to be a benign, self-limiting condition, recent studies have confirmed that patients with takotsubo syndrome have persistent subtle ongoing cardiac dysfunction, and many continue to have limiting symptoms despite restoration of left ventricular ejection fraction. Moreover, these patients have a substantial burden of morbidity as well as mortality with high rates of subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events that approach those of patients with acute coronary syndrome. The mechanisms behind this condition remain elusive. Despite substantial research, the medical community continues to have an incomplete understanding of its underlying etiology and pathophysiology. Catecholamine-induced myocardial injury is the most established and well-known theory, but this does not explain all of the clinical features and presentations of the condition, and numerous other pathways and abnormalities are emerging. Because of the poor understanding of its underlying pathophysiology, there is a lack of evidence-based interventions to treat the acute episode, to avoid recurrences and to prevent major adverse cardiovascular events. This highlights the need for further research to gain a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology in order to inform appropriate randomized controlled trials of interventions targeting the causative pathways. Only then can evidence-based management strategies be established to improve clinical outcomes of this potentially lethal condition.

Five-year follow-up and outcomes of takotsubo/stress cardiomyopathy in a single centre- an irish perspective

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TC) is an acute cardiac presentation characterised by acute myocardial injury and transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction, in the absence of obstructive coronary disease(1). Postulated causes include catecholamine excess, microvascular dysfunction, and multi-vessel coronary artery spasm. Predominantly seen in post-menopausal women, frequently triggered by emotional or physical stressor with in-hospital mortality rate reported at 2-5%(2). We present a single centre experience of TC with five-year follow-up. Methods We performed a retrospective descriptive study of patients with a diagnosis of TC coded by Hospital In-Patient Enquiry data from a tertiary level Irish hospital between 2010 and 2016. Data collection was electronic patient records/chart review. 21 cases were confirmed by modified Mayo Clinic criteria(3). Three patients were lost to follow up, two patients died during the follow-up period and one patient was excluded due to a focal area of transmural infarction on follow-up cardiac magnetic-resonance imaging (CMRI). Follow up data was obtained on sixteen patients up to 01/08/2021. Statistical analysis using SPSS v. 27, expressed as mean +- SD in %. Results Mean age at event was 64 +/- 12 years, 95% were female. Triggers identified in 55% of cases; emotional stressors in 35%, physical stressors in 25%. All had raised Troponin I (peak 3.13 ± 2.42ng/ml) and electrocardiograph (ECG) changes. Coronary angiography performed in all with no or mild CAD in seventeen and moderate CAD in two cases. CMRI was performed in 60% (n = 12) at on average 14.8 months post discharge. Average left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 31+/- 8% and 62+/-7% at diagnosis and follow up respectively, improving in all cases with mean improvement of 30.8 +/-11% (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Three patients had a further TC event. Two of the cases underwent angiography at the time of second presentation with normal coronary arteries and follow-up imaging showed full LVEF recovery in both cases. The third patient is awaiting follow-up CMRI. Of the recurrent cases two occurred despite best medical therapy. Two of the cases showed full recovery of LVEF between events and one showed minimal LVEF improvement prior to recurrence but full recovery after the second event. All patients who remained in Ireland had initial follow up (n = 15), 46% attend Cardiology outpatients in 2021. Conclusions Our demographic data is similar to previous studies with the majority of cases occurring in postmenopausal women(4). Our mortality rate was 9.5%, current published prognostic data in TC are limited and conflicting(2). The recurrence rate among our small cohort was 16.6% (n = 3) despite cardio-protective medications in two of the three cases, higher than previous reviews(5). The time to clinical and imaging follow up was discordant but all patients in our follow up group regained a normal LVEF which is very reassuring and in-keeping with prior studies. Abstract Figure. TTE apical 4-chamber view Abstract Figure. CMRI 4-chamber view end systole

154 Transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction during intravenous immunoglobulins treatment for myasthenia gravis exacerbation

Abstract A 61-year-old man suffering from myasthenia gravis with predominant bulbar involvement since 10 months before admission, was diagnosed with thymoma in April 2021. He had no relevant comorbidities except for history of polymorphic ventricular ectopic beats. In this regard, in 2019 he had undergone transthoracic echocardiogram and coronary computed tomography angiography, which resulted both normal. After 1 month, due to poor response to standard medical therapy with prednisone and pyridostigmine and in preparation for thymectomy, an intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) treatment was prescribed leading to mild clinical improvement (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Clinical Classification IIIA—MGFA). Two weeks later, the patient underwent robotic-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy without complications. Pathological findings were consistent with type B1 Thymoma classified as Masaoka Stage IIB (TNM Stage pT1a). After discharge the patient complained a rapid worsening of neurological symptoms (MGFA IIIB) leading to an urgent hospitalization for Myasthenia Gravis exacerbation in the middle of June. On admission Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IVIG) treatment was immediately started. After administration of the second IVIG dose, he had a myasthenic crisis complicated by refractory heart failure with significant increase of cardiac troponin up to 5.768 ng/L, requiring invasive ventilation, inotropic support and urgent transfer to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). The 2D echo showed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF 20%) with diffuse hypokinesis. The patient underwent cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography that confirmed severe reduction of the LVEF (LVEF 23%) with embolic occlusion of the distal posterior descending coronary artery (PDA) without other significant coronary artery stenosis. An endomyocardial biopsy was performed, which revealed cardiomyocytes of normal dimensions with sporadic cytoplasmic vacuolization and excluded signs of inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis and viral myocarditis. The day after the patient completed IVIG treatment. During the following days, despite persistence of severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, he was successfully weaned form inotropic and ventilatory support. At neurological evaluation he reported persistence of severe bulbar involvement with upper and lower limbs weakness. Five days later, the patient had a sudden cardiac arrest for pulseless electrical activity. Advanced cardiac life support requiring inotropes and invasive ventilation was performed for 28 min before returning to spontaneous circulation. The echocardiogram excluded pulmonary embolism and mechanical complications but showed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. A new coronary angiography showed clear coronary arteries including PDA. Because of severe haemodynamic compromise, an Impella CP device was implanted and set at maximum support level (P8 flow, &amp;gt;3 L/min). A neurological exam revealed no severe neurological sequelae. As a result of the long CPR the patient had a massive left haemothorax, initially treated with multiple blood transfusions and pleural drainage. Two days later, due to persistence of haemodynamic instability and active pleural bleeding with incessant severe anaemia the case underwent a Heart Team discussion where it was decided to escalate Impella CP device to Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and then perform a video-assisted thoracoscopic evacuation of the haemothorax. Both procedures were carried out without complications. The patient had an immediate haemodynamic improvement which led to rapid weaning from inotropic support. Haemoglobin was stable. The 2D echo showed significant improvement of the LVEF (40%). After 3 days, given the persistence of haemodynamic stability, ECMO device was removed and invasive ventilation stopped shortly afterwards. Eleven days later, another 2D echo demonstrated complete recovery of left ventricular systolic function (LVEF 59%). Notwithstanding, the patient reported a progressive worsening of neurological symptoms with generalized myasthenia and severe bulbar involvement (MGFA IVB) along with episodes of respiratory muscle fatigue requiring non-invasive ventilation. For this reason, the patient was transferred to Subintensive Respiratory Unit and the case underwent a new multidisciplinary discussion involving neurologists, cardiologists and haematologists. Specialists agreed upon potential causal role of IVIG treatment in transient left ventricular dysfunction and considered re-administration absolutely contraindicated. Thus, they prescribed five plasmapheresis treatments and up-titration of corticosteroid therapy (methylprednisolone up to 60 mg od). An immediate and outstanding improvement of neurological symptoms was obtained (MGFA IIIA) and the patient was discharged from hospital 1 week later.

23 Psycho-emotional aspects in patients with takotsubo syndrome compared with a control group

Abstract Aims Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also called stress cardiomyopathy, is an acute and transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Patients affected are usually postmenopausal woman with symptoms similar to myocardial infarction (angina pectoris, shortness of breath, palpitations, etc.) who experienced sudden emotional or physical stress. Emotional stressors are the mayor trigger in about 40% of cases, therefore an evaluation of psychological profile of these patients may have clinical relevance. Evaluate the quality of life, the level of anxiety and depression, the activities of daily life in patients with TTS in comparison with a control group with similar characteristics who haven’t developed this pathology. Methods and results 44 patients were recruited: 22 patients with TTS and 22 patients included in the control-group who didn’t develop the syndrome. Patients answered to three questionnaires for the evaluation of daily living activities, (Activities of daily living and Instrumental activities of daily living—ADL and IADL), levels of anxiety and depression (hospital anxiety and depression scale—HADS), and quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey-SF—36). Mean age of the study population was 69 ± 9 years and patients were all female. No differences in term of cardiovascular and no risk factor were found between the two groups. Concerning daily living activities, no differences were present. However, when comparing levels of anxiety and depression, TTS patients had higher levels of anxiety (9.4 ± 5.3 vs. 7.7 ± 4.3; P = 0.3; HADS), meanwhile levels of depression were higher in patients of the control group (6.1 ± 3.4 vs. 6.7 ± 4.7; P = 0.7; HADS). Regarding the quality of life, patients with TTS reported to have reduced energy and had fewer social activities (respectively, 51.2 ± 15.7 vs. 62.8 ± 16.5; P = 0.03; 60.4 ± 29.1 vs. 66.6 ± 30.2 con P = 0.7; SF-36). Conclusions Patients with Takotsubo syndrome have typical psycho-emotional aspects including higher levels of anxiety and impaired quality of life (as reduced energy and fewer social activities). Further research is needed to better stratify these aspects.