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Transient left ventricular dysfunction (tako-tsubo phenomenon): Findings and potential pathophysiological mechanisms.

Abstract

Tako-tsubo-like left ventricular dysfunction phenomenon (TTP) is characterized by transient left ventricular apical ballooning associated with symptoms, electrocardiographic changes and minimal cardiac enzyme release in the absence of coronary artery disease. Initially described in Japan, TTP occurs worldwide, predominantly in women and frequently after emotional or physical stress. Symptoms include anginal chest pain, dyspnea and syncope. Electrocardiographic ST elevations may be present only for several hours, and are followed by negative T waves that persist for months. Arterial hypertension is found in up to 76% of TTP patients, hyperlipidemia in up to 57% and diabetes mellitus in up to 12%. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms for TTP include catecholamine-induced myocardial stunning or hyperkinesis of the basal left ventricular segments, coronary vasospasm, plaque rupture, myocarditis and genetic factors. TTP patients should be monitored similarly to myocardial infarction patients because organ failure, cardiogenic shock, ventricular fibrillation or rupture may occur. Beta-blockers are indicated, whereas catecholamines and nitrates should be avoided. The long-term prognosis is unknown.

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BibTeXRIS

Claudia Stöllberger, Josef Finsterer, Birke Schneider. 2006. Transient left ventricular dysfunction (tako-tsubo phenomenon): Findings and potential pathophysiological mechanisms.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0828-282x(06)70322-1

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Chest Pain↗

Hypothesis: chest pain in primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

The mechanism of chest pain in spontaneous pneumothorax has never been discussed in the literature. It is proposed that this is due to acute parietal pleural irritation secondary to leakage of inflammatory material following bleb rupture, rather than the presence of interpleural air.

Chest Pain↗