Tako-Tsubo syndrome after an exercise echocardiography

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Clinical Case Reports

Background:

• Tako-Tsubo syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is characterized by chest pain, ECG abnormalities, elevated troponin levels, and transient left ventricular dysfunction.
• While typically affecting the midsection and apex, midventricular dysfunction has been reported as a less common variant.

Observation:

• A 66-year-old woman presented with symptoms during an exercise echocardiography.
• The patient developed stress-induced cardiomyopathy with a specific pattern of left ventricular dysfunction.

Findings:

• The observed left ventricular dysfunction predominantly involved the midventricle.
• This represents the first reported case of midventricular Tako-Tsubo syndrome occurring during exercise echocardiography.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of Tako-Tsubo syndrome presentation and triggers.
• Highlights the importance of considering stress-induced cardiomyopathy in patients experiencing cardiac symptoms during exertion.
• Suggests exercise echocardiography as a potential scenario for observing this specific cardiac event.