Impact of ST-segment elevation on the outcome of Takotsubo syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have highlighted that Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), mimicking acute coronary syndrome (ACS), is associated with poor clinical outcome. TTS is associated with different repolarization disorders including ST-segment elevation. ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in ACS is associated with declined prognosis. However, the clinical and prognostic impact of ST-segment elevation on TTS remains lacking.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the short- and long-term prognostic impact of ST-segment elevation on TTS patients as compared with STEMI patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our institutional database constituted a consecutive cohort of 138 TTS patients and 138 ACS patients matched for age and sex. TTS patients (n=41) with ST-segment elevation were compared with ACS patients with ST-segment elevation (n=64).

RESULTS: Chest pain was significantly more documented in STEMI patients as compared with TTS patients (48.8% vs 78.1%; P <0.01). Cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus (12.2% vs 29.7%; P =0.02) were significantly more presented in STEMI patients. Although the initial left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was more declined in TTS patients (39%±9% vs 45%±16%; P <0.01), the LVEF was more declined in STEMI patients at follow-up (54%±10% vs 45%±16%; P =0.04). Inhospital complications such as respiratory failure were significantly more presented in TTS patients (68.3% vs 20.3%; P <0.01). The short-term as well as the long-term morality was similar in both groups. In univariate analysis, male sex, ejection fraction (EF) <35%, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min, cardiogenic shock, inotropic drugs, and history of cancer were predictors of 5-year mortality.

CONCLUSION: Rates of the long-term mortality in TTS patients with ST elevations are comparable with STEMI patients.