Hyperintensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

The mechanism underlying the association between Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) and myocardial injury is unknown. We describe a signal hyperintensity zone on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T2WI) in 2 cases of atypical and typical TC. In these cases, a transmural hyperintensity zone on T2WI agrees with a region of abnormal left ventricular wall motion. We suggest that edematous viable myocardium is present transmurally in the acute phase of TC.