Tako-Tsubo syndrome in patients with COVID-19: a single centre retrospective case series

• Published in: Monaldi archives for chest disease
• Main Authors: Alonzo, Alessandro, Di Fusco, Stefania Angela, Castello, Lorenzo, Matteucci, Andrea, Spinelli, Antonella, Marino, Gaetano, Aquilani, Stefano, Imperoli, Giuseppe, Colivicchi, Furio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: PAGEPress Publications 05.09.2023
• Subjects: COVID-19; myocardial injury; Tako-Tsubo syndrome
• ISSN: 1122-0643; 2532-5264
• DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2023.2675

Growing evidence shows that COVID-19 is associated with an increase in Tako-Tsubo syndrome (TTS) incidence. We collected data from patients hospitalized in our multidisciplinary COVID-19 department who had a diagnosis of TTS during the second and third wave of the pandemic in Italy. We reported four cases of TTS associated with COVID-19. No patient had any classical trigger for TTS except for COVID-19. Mean age was 72 years (67-81) and all patients had a SARS-CoV-2-related interstitial pneumonia confirmed by computed tomography. Typical apical ballooning and transitory reduction in left ventricle (LV) systolic function with a complete recovery before discharge were observed in all patients. The mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) at TTS onset was 42% (40-48%). ECG showed ST-segment elevation in two cases, while an evolution with negative T waves and QTc prolongation was observed in all patients. Three patients underwent coronary angiography. Two patients had Alzheimer’s disease. The time interval from hospital admission to TTS onset was 4 (2-6) days, and the time interval from COVID-19 symptom onset to TTS diagnosis was 10 (8-12) days.  COVID-19 may be a trigger for TTS, though TTS pathophysiology in COVID-19 patients remains unclear, likely due to its multifactorial nature.