A systematic cohort review of pheochromocytoma-induced typical versus atypical Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Background: A rare presentation of pheochromocytoma (PCC) is catecholamine-induced-cardiomyopathy, or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM). PCC-induced TCM(PCC-TCM) can present as a typical or atypical type, based on the location of cardiac wall motion abnormalities. In this review, we sought to assess features and outcomes for PCC-TCM, and to compare typical and atypical subtypes.

Methods: A search was conducted on two databases (PubMed and Embase) for case series or reports on PCC-TCM from 2006 to 2020.

Results: One-hundred-and-two papers with a total of 104 cases of PCC-TCM were retrieved: 67(64.4%) typical and 37(35.6%) atypical subtypes. Overall median age was 50[range:23-86] years, the atypical group about a decade younger(p < 0.001). A female preponderance was seen for either subtype (∼75%). The most common presentations were chest pain(n = 60;58%), dyspnoea(n = 46;44%), and headache(n = 41;39.4%). Those with atypical subtype more often presented with fluid overload (typical:3% versus atypical:60%); acute pulmonary oedema (35% versus 60%); and cardiogenic shock (22% versus 43%) (all p < 0.05). Six patients (6%) died pre-operatively (typical:8% versus atypical:3%; p = 0.32). Non-fatal pre-operative complications occurred more among those with atypical TCM(p < 0.001), specifically cardiac arrest (typical:5% versus atypical:32%) and respiratory failure (9% versus 24%; both p < 0.05). Overall, 98 underwent surgery, majority undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy (81%); similar among the subtypes(p = 0.71). No robust data was provided on short-term outcomes, although two patients suffered from post-operative complications.

Conclusion: Although quite similar in presentation to either standalone TCM or PCC, PCC-TCM seems to be associated with a higher degree of morbidity and mortality. The atypical PCC-TCM subgroup seems to have a more severe course with possibly a poorer outcome. Further research is needed to make more reliable inferences.