INTRODUCTION: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a rare cardiac disease. In the acute phase it may imitate acute myocardial infarction of the anterior wall with ST elevations. This can be complicated by ventricular fibrilation or heart failure. The aim of this study is to show the characteristics of patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy, the one year outcome and the application of magnetic resonance imaging of the heart in the diagnosis of this disease. METHODS: Forty seven patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy were enrolled in this study. Severe stenosis of coronary arteries was excluded by selective coronarography. In twelve patients the magnetic resonance imaging of the myocardium was performed. The patients were observed for at least 12 months. RESULTS: 89.4 % of takotsubo patients were women. Average of age was 62.3 ± 11.1 years. We found obvious stress factors in 18 patients (38.3 %). Many patients suffered from thyroid disorders, psychiatric, lung or allergic diseases. Thirty nine patients (83.0 %) had the apical and eight the midventricular type of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. In 42 patients (89.4 %) developed systolic left ventricular dysfunction and four patients (8.5 %) were in cardiogenic shock. Four patients (8.5 %) manifested ventricle fibrilation. One patient (2.1 %) had recurring takotsubo cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSION: Left ventricle function is mostly recovered in patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy, but the acute phase can be complicated by cardiogenic shock or ventricular fibrilation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart is indicated in some patients to differentiate this cardiomyopathy from ischemic or inflammatory etiology.

Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity to Metals of Environmental Burden in Patients with Takotsubo Syndrome - Is There a Clinical Relevance?