title: Magnetic resonance reveals long-term sequelae of apical ballooning syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The presence of small areas of necrosis has been occasionally reported immediately following apical ballooning syndrome (ABS). However, their persistence at later stages and impact on long-term prognosis are currently unknown.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty consecutive patients admitted for ABS between 2004 and 2007 were prospectively evaluated. Demographic, clinical, angiographic, and echocardiographic data were collected during hospital admission. At a mean of 11+/-9 months follow-up, a contrast enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (ce-CMR) study was performed in 17 cases. The presence of hyperenhancement on ce-CMR images, reflecting irreversible myocardial damage, was recorded by two independent observers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two of 3 patients with hyperenhancement on ce-CMR images presented in worse condition, including pulmonary edema or cardiogenic shock, compared to just 2 of 14 patients without hyperenhancement (p=0.052). Segmental wall motion substantially improved in both of those cases; the third patient continued to have hypokinesis in a segment showing hyperenhancement. Segmental wall motion also significantly improved in all patients with no hyperenhancement. At a mean of 20+/-12 months follow-up, no deaths or major adverse cardiac events were documented among patients with or without hyperenhancement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite segmental wall motion recovery, an area of irreversible myocardial damage can sometimes be identified long after ABS. However, in this limited series of patients, the presence of scar, even when presenting with heart failure and a higher troponin release, was not associated with adverse long-term outcomes as compared to patients with intact myocardium.
authors.affiliation: Thorax Institute, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain. mbellera_gotarda@hotmail.com
authors.forename: M Neus
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Bellera
authors.forename: José T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Ortiz
authors.forename: Maria Teresa
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Caralt
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pérez-Rodon
authors.forename: Jaume
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mercader
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fernández-Gómez
authors.forename: Carles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Paré
authors.forename: Magda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heras
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D003287:Contrast Media; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D054549:Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D014336:Troponin / Q000097:blood; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D014336:Troponin