Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with seizures
Denise M Lemke1, Syed I Hussain, Thomas J Wolfe
1Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
Neurocritical Care
|March 19, 2008
Summary
Takotsubo syndrome, a reversible heart condition, can occur in neurocritical care patients experiencing neurological emergencies. Prompt management of these cases leads to complete symptom reversal.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Takotsubo syndrome, or stress cardiomyopathy, involves reversible neuromyocardial failure.
- It is linked to acute catecholamine toxicity following stressful events.
- Neurocritical care unit patients are vulnerable due to neurological emergencies.
Observation:
- Three cases of Takotsubo neuromyocardial syndrome in two patients admitted to a neurointensive care unit.
- Patients presented with seizures, exhibiting typical clinical, echocardiographic, and cardiac catheterization findings.
- Episodes were managed with vasoactive medications, ventilatory support, and afterload/preload reduction.
Findings:
- Complete reversal of symptoms and cardiac findings was observed in all episodes.
- Neurological conditions like stroke and status epilepticus increase the risk of Takotsubo syndrome.
Implications:
- Critical neurological illnesses may heighten the risk of Takotsubo neuromyocardial syndrome.
- Early recognition and management are crucial for favorable outcomes in at-risk populations.
- This highlights the intricate link between neurological events and cardiac function.
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