Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (Gebrochenes-Herz syndrome): Clinical presentation, pathophysiology and review

Learning Objectives 1. List etiological factors. 2. Pathophysiology. 3. Recent literature. 4. Clinical implications. 5. Diagnostic strategies.

This entity presents as heart failure, chest pain with ECG changes, myocardial infarction. There is thinning of left ventricular apex, bulging of the apex of the heart is also noted. The name has been derived from “tako-tsubo” which in Japanes literature refers to “octopus trap”. It is seen in young people, mostly women and is associated with stress (broken heart syndrome). A coronary angiogram may not reveal any abnormality. Identification, clinical correlation and Pathophysiology is important for Nuclear medicine reporting physician