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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
07:41
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
A case of transient left mid ventricular ballooning
Salvatore Azzarelli1, Francesco Amico, Alfredo R Galassi
1Cardiovascular Catheterisation Unit, Cardiovascular Department, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy. azzarelli.s@tiscali.it
Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (Hagerstown, Md.)
|August 2, 2007
Summary
An 85-year-old woman experienced chest pain and ST-segment elevation following asthma. She was diagnosed with stress-induced cardiomyopathy, with full recovery of left ventricular function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Acute asthma exacerbations can precipitate cardiovascular events.
- Chest pain in elderly patients requires thorough cardiac evaluation.
Observation:
- An 85-year-old woman presented with chest pain post-asthma crisis.
- Electrocardiogram revealed ST-segment elevation in inferior leads.
- Elevated troponin I levels and left ventricular ballooning were noted on angiography.
Findings:
- Coronary angiography excluded obstructive coronary artery disease.
- The patient was diagnosed with stress-induced cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy).
- Left ventricular function normalized within one month.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential cardiac complications of severe asthma attacks.
- Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can be triggered by severe physiological stress.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
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