International journal of cardiology
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Mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) achieved by endovascular cooling has emerged as a new treatment strategy to reduce hypoxic brain injury after cardiac arrest (CA). It remains to be established how the time interval between CA and MTH impacts the neurologic outcome. We hypothesized that a more rapid achievement of MTH (time to target temperature [TTT], time to coldest temperature [TCT]) improves the outcome after CA. ⋯ Early achievement of MTH by endovascular cooling appears to reduce hypoxic brain injury and to favour a good neurologic outcome after CA.
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Stress-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an uncommon disorder characterized by apical ballooning. The etiology and pathophysiology of this syndrome has not been fully evaluated. This case series examined the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 10 patients with confirmed stress-induced cardiomyopathy. ⋯ Stress-induced cardiomyopathy is a clinical spectrum which can present with a classical "Takotsubo" or "inverted Takotsubo" pattern. Presentation is varied but characterized by recovery to normal cardiac systolic function. Study of this syndrome may enhance further understanding of the "brain-heart" relationship.