Dear Colleagues,

TakoTsubo Syndrome (TTS) is an acute cardiac condition that poses important differential diagnostic questions with other acute conditions such as acute coronary syndrome or acute heart failure. Though its classical form is known for the typical pattern of left ventricular apical ballooning related to stressful conditions, diverse atypical presentations can be observed both in terms of wall motion abnormalities and precipitating triggers and, importantly, epidemiological data confirm that it does not affect only postmenopausal women. Complete recovery of systolic function is expected, as imaging techniques demonstrate absence of irreversible myocardial damage. However, observational studies carried out over the last 20 years have underscored unexpected prognostic implications of the disease. Patients with TTS exhibit a substantial risk of adverse events and even mortality and should be considered a vulnerable population. Pathophysiology of TTS remains largely elusive and to deeply understand mechanisms of the disease is essential to pave the way to specific treatments aimed at improving prognosis and, especially, prevent recurrences.

The present Special Issue is aimed at presenting what is known, what is the most recent evidence and what remains to be understood in the field of TTS. Therefore, submission of original research papers and review articles dealing with the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of TTS is eagerly welcome.

Assoc. Prof. Giuseppe Andò

Guest Editor