Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also referred to as Takotsubo syndrome, stress cardiomyopathy, and broken heart syndrome, is a form of cardiomyopathy characterised by transient hypo/dys/akinesia and ballooning of the apical segments of the left ventricle in response to severe stress, like a partner’s death.

It’s an acute condition which can cause severe heart failure, but it’s transient and usually completely reversible condition. It’s an important differential diagnosis in the evaluation of ACS. Echocardiography shows ballooning and reduced movement in the LV apex.