Takotsubo syndrome: pathophysiology, differential diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Objective: To update, based on recent literature, on Takotsubo syndrome, explaining aspects of its pathophysiology, differential diagnosis and treatment. Bibliographic review: Takotsubo syndrome is a disease of clinical importance, characterized by generally reversible acute heart failure, triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, but its prevalence may be underestimated due to diagnostic confusion with acute coronary syndrome. As a result, many cases of Takotsubo may be misdiagnosed as acute myocardial infarction. Final considerations: In view of its reversible character, it is recommended that Takotsubo syndrome be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with clinical features of acute coronary syndrome. For this, clinical history, in addition to subsidiary tests, such as electrocardiogram and troponin, as well as imaging tests, such as echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance and coronary angiography, should be performed to identify the typical changes in the left ventricle caused by the syndrome. from Takotsubo.