Magnetic resonance reveals long-term sequelae of apical ballooning syndrome.

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.