Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with takotsubo syndrome and dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) is recognized as a serious complication of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). However, its impact on patient prognosis remains insufficiently investigated.

This study aimed to assess clinical characteristics and short- and long-term outcomes of patients with TTS complicated by LVOTO.

Patients with TTS were enrolled from the Takotsubo Italian Network (TIN). The primary outcome was the composite of acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and mortality during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included the single components of the primary outcome and the occurrence of death or TTS recurrence during follow-up.

Overall, 881 patients were included in the study [median age 72.0 (63.0–78.0) years; 91.3% female], with LVOTO detected in 59 patients (6.7%). Low diastolic blood pressure, ST-segment elevation, and moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation were independently associated with occurrence of LVOTO. Propensity score weighting regression analysis revealed a significant higher risk of the primary outcome (OR, 2.99; 95% CI, 2.22–4.02), acute heart failure (OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.59–3.02), cardiogenic shock (OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 3.07–6.78), and in-hospital mortality (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.13–5.21) in patients with TTS complicated by LVOTO. No significant association between LVOTO and long-term mortality or TTS recurrence was observed during follow-up.

In this real-world evidence study, LVOTO was detected in about 7% of TTS patients and was associated with a significantly higher risk of adverse events during hospitalization, including mortality. Early detection of LVOTO can aid in prognostic assessment and guide therapeutic management in patients with TTS.