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

Abstract

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.