Alyssa McKenzie, Raed Bargout
Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute condition involving left ventricular dysfunction that may present clinically as acute coronary syndrome without obstructive coronary disease or congestive heart failure. Initially considered benign, TTS is now recognized as a complex neurocardiac disorder with hospital morbidity rates comparable to those of myocardial infarction, as well as similar long-term risks. Recent evidence establishes TTS as a multifactorial process involving catecholamine overload, coronary microvascular dysfunction, myocardial energetic abnormalities, and dysregulation of the brain and heart axes. Developments in echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and improvements in diagnostic criteria have enhanced the recognition of syndromic phenotypes. Management of TTS continues to remain primarily supportive; however, recent studies have revealed improved functional outcomes with structured cardiac rehabilitation and cognitive behavioral therapies as the first long-term disease-altering approaches. Future studies should combine neurocardiology, imaging, and therapy-focused research. This review integrates the understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic work-up, and management of TTS, with particular emphasis on developments emerging from the past decade.