# Pseudo-apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

## TL;DR

This paper discusses how Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can mimic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy due to temporary heart wall thickening, highlighting the need for advanced imaging to distinguish between the two.

## Contribution

The study highlights the diagnostic challenge of pseudo-apical hypertrophy in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and advocates for serial cardiac MRI with tissue characterization.

## Key findings

- Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can show transient apical wall thickening resembling hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- The pseudo-hypertrophic appearance is caused by reversible myocardial edema, not true hypertrophy.
- Serial cardiac MRI with tissue characterization is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

## Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can exhibit transient apical wall thickening during recovery, leading to a phenotypic overlap with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This pseudo-hypertrophic appearance is due to reversible myocardial oedema rather than genuine sarcomeric hypertrophy. We present a case demonstrating this diagnostic challenge and emphasising the importance of serial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with tissue characterisation.