Intermediate
Technical
IVT
takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Pronunciation: ta-ko-TSOO-bo
Acute, reversible heart muscle dysfunction typically triggered by emotional or physical stress.
Full Definition
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome, is characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction with a distinctive apical ballooning pattern on imaging. The condition typically affects postmenopausal women following severe emotional or physical stress, mimics acute myocardial infarction with chest pain and ECG changes, but shows normal coronary arteries on angiography. Recovery usually occurs within weeks to months.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Japanese octopus traps; capitalize the 't' in takotsubo as it derives from a proper noun.
In Context
- "The patient presented with takotsubo cardiomyopathy following her husband's sudden death." — Emergency department consultation
- "Echocardiography revealed the classic apical ballooning pattern of takotsubo cardiomyopathy." — Cardiology case report
Also known as
stress cardiomyopathy
broken heart syndrome
apical ballooning syndrome
Don't confuse with
acute myocardial infarction
myocarditis