COVID-19-induced takotsubo cardiomyopathy: Venturing beyond the obvious

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), colloquially known as “broken heart syndrome,” is a relatively uncommon transient condition that is characterized by left ventricular apical ballooning [1]. It is purported to be triggered by exorbitant physical or emotional stressors. The clinical picture elicited by TCM closely mimics that of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), with most patients presenting with substernal chest pain and ECG changes akin to those observed in a patient with acute myocardial infarction [1]. Interestingly, in cases of TCM, coronary arteries are noted to be unremarkable upon catheterization [1,2]. Due to the remarkably similar clinical semblance elicited by TCM and myocardial infarction, it remains critically imperative to distinguish between the two pathologies. Of note, TCM remains a diagnosis of exclusion, and ischemic cardiomyopathy must be excluded prior to its diagnosis. The diagnosis of TCM is rendered in accordance with the criteria outlined by Mayo Clinic [3]. This is delineated by Fig. 1.