Takotsubo Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Does a Link Exist?

Abstract

Background: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute cardiac dysfunction in the absence of viral causes or obstructive coronary disease completely reversible within 4-8 weeks. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of diseases caused by the interaction between immune system, genetic, and environmental factors against intestinal mucosa. Both these syndromes are characterized by complex mechanisms involving endothelial dysfunction and affective disorders. Aim: To assess the possibility of an association between IBD and TTS. Methods: First, we present a case of TTS in a patient affected by active stenosing Crohn's disease. Articles in English language were collected from PubMed and Google Scholar databases with the search terms "takotsubo," "IBD," "crohn disease," "ulcerative colitis". Results: Both TTS and IBD show multiple common features: preference for female patients, recurrent course of disease, association with endothelial dysfunction, and affective disorders. Patients affected by IBD could show specific triggers for TTS, such as malabsorption, electrolytes disturbances, and affective disorders. Conclusions: Despite pathophysiological similarities between TTS and IBD in active phase, future studies are needed to confirm this apparently possible association and to assess the presence of a pathophysiological link between these diseases.