Ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: Incidence, predictive factors, and clinical implications

Abstract

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a stress-related transient cardiomyopathy. Life-threatening arrhythmias (LTA) can occur and worsen prognosis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence and outcome of LTA in TTC, as well as its predictive factors and clinical implications. Methods: We studied 214 consecutive cases of TTC over 8 years. The study cohort was divided into 2 groups: those with LTA (LTA group) and those without (non-LTA group). LTA was defined as ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or cardiac arrest. Results: LTA occurred in 23 (10.7%) of patients mainly in the first 24 hours of hospitalization: ventricular tachycardia (n = 2), ven..