The BREAKOUT Study

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The Brain Phenotype of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy - The BREAKOUT Study

• IRAS ID

  249980

• Contact name

  Dana Dawson

• Contact email

  dana.dawson@abdn.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Aberdeen

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 11 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  Acute stress-induced (takotsubo) cardiomyopathy presents like a myocardial infarct, is triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, and can have catastrophic and potentially fatal consequences. Despite data linking takotsubo cardiomyopathy with mental health and neurological problems, a systematic and comprehensive characterisation of the brain changes in the acute phase of takotsubo patients is lacking. Using psychological stimulation techniques, we will compare a dynamic assessment of neuro-stress responses to matched controls. Furthermore, using state-of-the-art in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we will measure an array of 18 brain metabolites to see if specific changes in neuro-transmission and brain metabolism characterise this condition. Ultimately, understanding the underlying aetiology and pathophysiology of this poorly understood neuro-cardiac disorder is essential if we are to move this field forward.

• REC name

  North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1

• REC reference

  19/NS/0002

• Date of REC Opinion

  4 Feb 2019

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion