LAUSR

Recent studies on Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) have challenged the common conception that it is a relatively benign condition with functional recovery observed in the majority of cases. However, it is important to recognize that overt functional recovery might not reflect the true regional recovery, which might have an adverse impact on survival. We sought to assess baseline and follow-up left ventricular function characteristics and their impact on longer-term mortality in patients presenting with documented Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) at a tertiary centre. 339 patients (66±14 years, 88% women) presented to our centre between 2006 and 2018 with acute anginal symptoms and were subsequently diagnosed with TC following clinical and angiographic evaluation. All patients returned for a follow-up evaluation including transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Baseline and follow-up (3–6 months after TC diagnosis) LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS using velocity vector imaging) were recorded on TTE. The primary endpoint was longer-term mortality. Hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes were present in 71%, 56%, and 26% of patients. Baseline mean troponin I peak, LVEF and LV-GLS were 0.9±7 ng/ml, 36±9%, and 11±3%; respectively. 94% had baseline LVEF<50%, 272 (80%) had apical ballooning, and 94% had LV-GLS worse than −18%. No patient had angiographically obstructive coronary artery disease. At 3–6 months follow-up, mean LVEF, and LV-GLS improved to 57±9% and 16±3%, respectively. 87% of patients had LVEF >50%, but in 70% LV-GLS remained worse than −18%. After 3.3±3 years, 72 patients (21%) died. On multivariable Cox survival analysis (adjusted for age, gender, baseline troponin peak and follow up LVEF), follow up LV-GLS was independently associated with longer-term mortality (hazard ratio 1.12 [95% confidence interval 1.05, 1.20], p<0.001). Significantly more patients with follow up LV-GLS worse than −18% died vs. those with LV-GLS better than −18% (57/237 [24%] vs. 15/102 [15%], log-rank statistic p-value 0.01, Kaplan-Meier figure 1). Kaplan-Meier curve of freedom from death In this large single-centre study of patients with documented TC (majority women), 87% recovered LVEF at 3–6 months, but in 70% LV-GLS remained worse than −18%, which was independently associated with higher longer-term mortality.