Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after a positive emotional stress

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, is a cardiac syndrome mimicking an acute coronary syndrome and characterized by peculiar transient left ventricular wall motion in the absence of significant coronary lesions at coronary angiography. The pathogenic mechanisms linking emotional stress to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy still remain undefined. The onset of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can be triggered by an acute, intense emotional stress. This is the first report reporting that not only negative stress but also positive stressful event may precede the syndrome.