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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
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Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
[Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome--a case report].
Piotr Kukla1, Leszek Bryniarski, Renata Korpak-Wysocka
1Szpital Specjalistyczny im. H. Klimontowicza, Oddział Wewnetrzny, ul. Wegierska 19, 38-300 Gorlice. kukla_piotr@poczta.onet.pl
Kardiologia Polska
|March 17, 2007
Summary
A 78-year-old woman experienced ST-elevation myocardial infarction symptoms but had normal arteries. Doctors diagnosed transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, also known as tako-tsubo syndrome, after observing reversible heart abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) typically indicates coronary artery blockage.
- Differentiating STEMI from non-obstructive coronary artery causes is crucial for appropriate management.
Observation:
- A 78-year-old female presented with clinical and electrographic signs of STEMI.
- Coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries.
- Echocardiography revealed severe left ventricular contractility abnormalities.
Findings:
- The left ventricular abnormalities resolved spontaneously within 20 days.
- The echocardiographic findings were characteristic of transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome.
- The patient was diagnosed with tako-tsubo syndrome.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering non-obstructive causes of myocardial infarction-like presentations.
- Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome can mimic acute myocardial infarction, necessitating careful diagnostic evaluation.
- Recognition of tako-tsubo syndrome is vital for appropriate patient management and prognosis.
