Myasthenic crisis can induce Takotsubo cardiomyopathy leading to transient systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction and wall-motion abnormalities, including the characteristic apical ballooning. The authors aimed to define the clinical features of this disease entity.
A systematic review was conducted to examine the characteristics of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy presenting in myasthenia gravis patients. Case reports were accessed by searching MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases. 523 articles were identified and 14 were selected for review.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy presenting in myasthenia gravis’ patients tends to affect women between the ages of 40 to 77. History of atrial fibrillation or hypertension was found in a minority of cases. Generalized weakness, fatigue, dysphagia and respiratory distress were common at presentation. Vital signs demonstrated normal blood pressure without tachycardia or bradycardia. Elevated values of troponins, creatine kinase (CK), and CK-MB isoenzymes were recorded. ST-segment elevation followed by T-wave inversion were predominantly found on electrocardiograms. Apical abnormalities in the form of ballooning, hypokinesia, or sparing and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (≤45%) were observed using transthoracic echocardiogram or left ventriculography. Coronary angiography demonstrated no obstructive lesions. Ventilatory support, cholinesterase inhibitors and glucocorticoids resulted in the recovery or improvement of the left ventricular ejection fraction and hemodynamic stability. Only a minority of patients died of refractory heart failure. Treatment with inotropes and/or vasopressors led to poorer outcomes, including death or intractable heart failure.
The management of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy developing in myasthenia gravis patients should focus on addressing the myasthenic crisis, while proving supportive care in and intensive care setting.
