Abstract:
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning syndrome, is a condition of stress-induced apical hypokinesis in the setting of a preserved basal segment. It has become increasingly recognized and described. While it can mimic the presentation of an acute myocardial infarction, it is a transient phenomenon, and ventricular systolic function typically recovers completely. We review the relevant literature over the past 2 decades regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, epidemiology, management, and prognosis of this condition.