Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, often known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a transient left-ventricular dysfunction that mimics acute coronary syndrome but occurs in the absence of obstructive coronary disease. As recognition grows worldwide, clinicians frequently seek advanced insights on Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy when participating in imaging, heart-failure or structural-heart tracks at a cardiology conference. Its complex pathophysiology, emotional and physiological triggers and variable presentations make it an evolving domain of interest in stress-related cardiac syndromes. This session aims to equip participants with a nuanced and updated understanding of diagnosis, risk markers and long-term outcomes.

The description begins by exploring the classic patterns of wall-motion abnormalities, including the well-known apical ballooning variant and atypical forms such as basal, mid-ventricular and focal Takotsubo patterns. Attendees learn how catecholamine excess, microvascular dysfunction, coronary spasm and autonomic imbalance contribute to myocardial stunning. The session reviews demographics showing higher prevalence in post-menopausal women, while acknowledging emerging data on cases triggered by physical stressors, neurological emergencies, emotional shocks and severe systemic illness.

Diagnostic evaluation is outlined in detail. Participants examine how ECG changes, biomarker elevation and regional dysfunction can resemble acute myocardial infarction, emphasising the need for urgent coronary angiography to exclude obstructive lesions. Cardiac MRI is highlighted as a valuable modality for differentiating Takotsubo from myocarditis or infarction. Echocardiographic patterns, hemodynamic profiles and recovery trajectories are reviewed to help clinicians rapidly identify the syndrome and plan appropriate care.

Management strategies focus on stabilising the patient, treating complications such as arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock and LV outflow obstruction, and supporting recovery through personalised regimens. The session covers medication considerations, including cautious use of inotropes, beta-blockers for adrenergic control, RAAS inhibitors for ventricular recovery and anticoagulation when apical thrombus risk is high. Clinicians also review long-term recurrence rates, psychosocial influences and counselling strategies that address emotional and behavioural triggers.

Special attention is given to severe forms presenting with shock, requiring mechanical support and multidisciplinary care. Participants analyse case studies illustrating diagnostic dilemmas, overlapping presentations with ACS and challenges in differentiating stress cardiomyopathy from myocarditis or MINOCA. Future perspectives include biomarkers for risk prediction, machine-learning-assisted imaging interpretation and personalised stress-modulation strategies.

By the end of the session, clinicians will have a comprehensive framework to diagnose Takotsubo accurately, manage acute and chronic phases and recognise patient populations requiring long-term support.