The long-term affects of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy are unclear, but it does appear to be temporary and reversible. Nevertheless, it is certain that we can have our hearts broken – and that, for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction induced by emotional or physical stress without coronary disease. [1] Although the pathomechanism for this condition remains unclear, myocardial stunning caused by catecholamine excess is the most common theory Distinguishing Takotsubo syndrome from acute infective myocarditis can be challenging if there is evidence of acute myocardial oedema and inflammation in a typical anatomical distribution, as is common during the acute episode of Takotsubo syndrome (Box 2). 25-27 This could be considered a form of acute catecholaminergic myocarditis, given the Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a dilated cardiomyopathy that can mimic a myocardial infarction and causes reversible systolic dysfunction. This is a case of a 66-year-old Caucasian male with a known history of ocular myasthenia gravis that presented to the emergency room with worsening dyspnea secondary to a myasthenic crisis. In takotsubo cardiomyopathy (also called transient apical ballooning and stress cardiomyopathy), left ventricular dysfunction, which can be remarkably depressed, recovers within a few weeks.1–4 BACKGROUND While takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a rare cardiomyopathy, recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy (rTC) is even more so, occurring in only 4% of patients with TC. Treatment is based on expert opinion and includes standard heart failure treatment using beta blockers (BB) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). The particular name “Takotsubo” was used to describe the cardiomyopathy due to the characteristic apical ballooning on left ventriculography which was similar in shape to a Japanese octopus trap. It is also referred to as “broken heart”, “apical ballooning syndrome”, “myocardial stunning”, or “stress cardiomyopathy”. This can be can be fatal due to the complications of cardiogenic shock, arrhythmia or cardiac rupture and can be readily detected post-mortem in a confirmed case of Takotsubo syndrome. More difficult is the case of sudden cardiac death in the community with a stressful precipitant and a structurally normal heart and coronary arteries.[ 43 – 45 ] In very rare cases, takotsubo cardiomyopathy complications can be fatal. However, most people with the condition recover quickly and don’t have long-lasting effects. Rare, but possible, takotsubo cardiomyopathy complications include: Heart failure; Low blood pressure; Pulmonary edema – a backup of fluid into the lungs nRUh5.

can takotsubo cardiomyopathy be fatal