Małgorzata Kosek-Nikołajczuk

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute and usually reversible form of myocardial dysfunction associated with emotional or physical stress. Solid organ transplantation (SOT) combines several potential triggers, including major surgical stress, hemodynamic instability, systemic inflammation, and exposure to exogenous catecholamines. Respiratory failure, calcineurin inhibitor toxicity, and altered cardiac innervation may also contribute. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on organ-specific timing, potential triggers, diagnostic challenges, management, and outcomes of TTS in SOT recipients. Reported cases predominantly occur early after liver and kidney transplantation, whereas presentations after heart transplantation range from the immediate postoperative period to years later. After heart transplantation, distinguishing TTS from early graft dysfunction and considering donor-side TTS are particularly important. Diagnostic certainty varies among published cases because formal criteria and the exclusion of competing diagnoses are inconsistently documented. Management largely follows recommendations for the general TTS population, with temporary mechanical circulatory support used in selected severe cases. Although ventricular function usually recovers, cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, and multiorgan dysfunction may complicate the acute course, and persistent ventricular impairment has been associated with poorer long-term outcomes after liver transplantation. Comparisons with the general TTS population suggest a high proportion of severe presentations among reported transplant-associated cases; however, publication and ascertainment bias preclude firm conclusions about differences in incidence or severity. Evidence remains dominated by case reports, small series, and retrospective studies, underscoring the need for standardized reporting and prospective multicenter research.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a condition marked by sudden and temporary dysfunction of the left ventricle, occurring without significant coronary artery disease. It was previously thought to be a benign and self-limiting condition, associated with a favorable long-term prognosis and minimal impact on survival. However, the most recent findings provide evidence that TTS is a heterogeneous condition with various presentation patterns. Using the most recent evidence regarding long-term prognosis in TTS, this review article aims to provide an overview of the long-term survival of patients with TTS, highlighting potential risk factors and comorbidities that may worsen prognosis. It also explores the risk of recurrence and the utility of advanced imaging modalities for prognosis assessment. Risk factors negatively impacting long-term outcomes include male sex, older age, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), physical triggers (especially pulmonary and neurological diseases), and comorbidities such as atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and active cancer. Recurrence, though relatively uncommon, can affect up to 11% of patients, with “super recurrence” linked to higher peak troponin levels, lower LVEF, and emotional triggers. Advanced imaging modalities—such as coronary angiography and ventriculography, which are considered the gold standard, along with serial echocardiographic assessment—combined with cardiac biomarkers, including relatively low peak troponin levels and markedly elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), as well as diagnostic ratios like copeptin/NT-proBNP, provide a robust framework for differentiating TTS from acute coronary syndromes. Key findings suggest that chronic therapeutic strategies in the long-term management of TTS patients should focus on improving long-term outcomes and reducing the risk of mortality and TTS recurrence. Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted using PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health) and Google Scholar to identify relevant English-language publications addressing the long-term prognosis, biomarkers, imaging, risk of recurrence, and long-term management of TTS.