Takotsubo twins

BMJ Case Rep. 2019 Apr 4;12(4):e227885. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-227885.

Abstract

Takotsubo syndrome is an intriguing condition of often stress induced reversible cardiac dysfunction mimicking myocardial infarction, but without explanatory coronary obstructions. The pathogenesis of the syndrome is not yet fully understood, though altered sympathetic regulation or response to cardiac sympathetic stimuli is likely to be involved. We present a unique and clinically detailed report of identical twin sisters, who both developed Takotsubo syndrome in association to mental stress shortly after menopause, also covering a potential relapse of disease in one of the twins, supporting the theory of a genetic contribution to the development of the syndrome proposed by previous case reports and small genetic studies.

Keywords: cardiovascular medicine; genetics; heart failure; radiology (diagnostics).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Middle Aged
  • Stress, Psychological / complications
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / diagnosis*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / genetics
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / psychology
  • Twins, Monozygotic