[Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with torsades de pointes and long QT interval: a case report]

A 77-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for pneumonia. On admission, electrocardiography showed ST segmental elevation and echocardiography showed abnormal movement of the left ventricular walls. Emergent coronary angiography was not performed because of his high C-reactive protein values and negative troponin T value. On the 3rd day, electrocardiography showed torsades de pointes and long QT interval, then intravenous lidocaine (1,000 mg/day) was started. Left ventriculography demonstrated takotsubo cardiomyopathy on the 9th day. Torsades de pointes disappeared with intravenous lidocaine therapy, and he was discharged on the 27th day. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has a relatively good prognosis, and rarely causes sudden death and congestive heart failure. Ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation complicate this disease in 9% of patients. To prevent fatal arrhythmia, appropriate therapy against torsades de pointes should be considered.