Tako-tsubo syndrome

Abstract

A relatively recent discovery leading to further understanding in myocardial ischemia is Tako-tsubo Syndrome. The name was derived from the resemblance of the left ventricle-in left ventriculography or echocardiography-to traditional Octopus Traps, used by Japanese fishermen. This syndrome was later discovered to occur in many other circumstances characterized with adrenergic hyperactivity. It has other variants with different morphologies of the left ventricle. In this chapter, we will summarize clinical characteristics, pathophysiologic mechanisms of the syndrome and findings from contemporary research in the area.