Prognotic Role of CMR in Takotsubo Syndrome

The prognosis of Takotsubo syndrome patients remains contentious, necessitating improved risk stratification for better management. While various clinical characteristics and parameters from transthoracic echocardiography have been associated with outcomes, none of the existing predictive scores incorporate cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) data, despite its ability to noninvasively assess tissue characterization. CMR offers a comprehensive evaluation of functional and structural changes, including an accurate assessment of right ventricular function. While CMR has been extensively studied for diagnostic purposes in Takotsubo syndrome, its role in prognosis is still debated. Emerging technologies like computed tomography show promise in myocardial characterization but lack robust investigation in prognostic roles. The EVOLUTION registry aims to address this gap by incorporating CMR parameters into a risk stratification score alongside clinical and transthoracic echocardiography data, with machine learning models also explored for enhanced outcome prediction. This initiative seeks to provide a more reliable predictive tool for the optimized management of Takotsubo syndrome patients. The main objective of this study is to enhance risk assessment in Takotsubo syndrome patients by incorporating CMR data alongside demographic, clinical, and transthoracic echocardiography parameters. Specifically, the aim is to analyze CMR data and their association with both short-term and long-term patient outcomes. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed risk stratification score for Takotsubo syndrome patients will be evaluated in comparison to existing scoring systems. Moreover, all available CMR, transthoracic echocardiography, and clinical variables will be utilized to develop machine learning models for predictive analysis

Inclusion criteria

• Takotsubo syndrome diagnosis (according to Position Statement of the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Association)
• Adult patients ( > 18y old)
• Availability at baseline of clinical variables, standard transthoracic echocardiography, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance acquisition

Exclusion criteria

• <18 y old
• Lack of transthoracic echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance examinations
• Preexisting cardiomyopathies
• Previous myocardial infarction
• Suspected or known prior irreversible myocardial damage
• Valvular heart disease