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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a case report

Stephanie A Mitchell1, Richard A Crone

  • 1Echocardiographic Laboratory of Stevens Cardiology Group, Swedish Heart Institute, Edmonds, Washington 98026, USA. StephanieA.Mitchell@Swedish.org

Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : Official Publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
|September 5, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A woman experienced acute coronary syndrome symptoms during alcohol withdrawal. Doctors diagnosed stress-induced cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition affecting the left ventricle.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Alcohol withdrawal can precipitate various medical complications.
  • Acute coronary syndrome is a critical condition requiring prompt diagnosis.

Observation:

  • A 49-year-old woman presented with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome.
  • The patient was concurrently undergoing treatment for alcohol withdrawal.

Findings:

  • Echocardiography revealed a distinctive pattern of left ventricular dysfunction.
  • This pattern, characterized by basal sparing and apical akinesis, is consistent with takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Implications:

  • Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can be triggered by significant physiological stress, such as alcohol withdrawal.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering non-ischemic causes of acute cardiac dysfunction in patients with substance use disorders.

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