Takotsubo Syndrome: Finally Emerging From the Shadows?

Shining a light on perioperative Takotsubo syndrome

“…11 Ong et al recently reviewed the remarkable advances in our knowledge about TS from the past decade. 1 The authors conclude that the syndrome represents a spectrum of neurogenic stunned myocardium. As the principle pathologic feature is myocardial inflammation and edema, often leading to fibrosis, Ong et al suggest that cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) be the new diagnostic ''gold standard''.…”

“…Recently, Ong et al wrote a compelling editorial outlining the ''Emergence from the shadows'' of Takotsubo syndrome (TS), or stress cardiomyopathy, highlighting recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease in recent decades. 1 Takotsubo syndrome was first described over 30 years ago, and the occurrence of this syndrome in the perioperative period was recognized about ten years later. In subsequent reports, 3-17% of TS cases were associated with surgical procedures, as reviewed in the Journal in 2016.…”

Catecholamine Surges Cause Cardiomyocyte Necroptosis via a RIPK1–RIPK3-Dependent Pathway in Mice

“…In response to physical (e.g., cardiac failure and stroke) or emotional stressors, the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis become hyperactive and give rise to catecholamine surges and cardiac injury ( 1 – 3 ). Catecholamine surges can also occur in some of the less common clinical conditions.…”

Heart Disease in Women: Where Are We Now and What is The Future?

“…We also celebrate the expertise of Australian and New Zealand researchers within this expanding sub-specialty. The special edition contains 9 in-depth reviews [4,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13], and a further 16 original scientific papers covering a broad range of topics and selected from a competitive submission process [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. The female-predominant condition of SCAD is covered in an insightful review [4], with detailed discussion on the commonly associated genetic condition of fibromuscular dysplasia.…”

“…Contemporary outcomes of SCAD are unravelled in a longitudinal study from New Zealand [14], while the high rate of catheter-induced complications shown in another original scientific manuscript [15]. TSS undergoes a detailed review, showcasing how far we have come with this previously considered 'rare' disorder, but how much more research is still needed to elucidate best care for this femalepredominant condition [6]. Sex differences in common cardiovascular conditions are explored, from myocardial infarction to valvular heart disease, and the discrepancies that exist in diagnosis, secondary prevention and cardiac rehabilitation [16][17][18][19].…”