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Murine Isolated Heart Model of Myocardial Stunning Associated with Cardioplegic Arrest
Published on: August 6, 2015
Stunned myocardium following ischemic stroke. Case report
Vasco Dias1, Sofia Cabral, Ana Meireles
1Department of Cardiology, Santo António General Hospital, Oporto Hospital Center, Porto, Portugal. vascoalvesdias@hotmail.com
Insights
Neuromediated stunned myocardium, a rare complication of central nervous system disorders like stroke, presents diagnostic challenges. This case highlights persistent cardiac dysfunction mimicking myocardial infarction, even after neurological recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Neuromediated stunned myocardium is a known complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- Its pathophysiology is unclear, with catecholamine-induced neurocardiogenic injury being a proposed cause.
- Typically, cardiovascular recovery is rapid.
Observation:
- A case of ischemic stroke with coexisting myocardial infarction was observed.
- This included ischemic electrocardiographic changes, elevated cardiac biomarkers, and wall motion abnormalities.
- Coronary arteries were notably normal despite cardiac findings.
Findings:
- The patient presented with myocardial infarction symptoms secondary to a neurological event.
- Left-ventricular dysfunction persisted longer than typically observed, despite neurological recovery.
- The condition mimicked acute myocardial infarction, posing diagnostic challenges.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering neuromediated cardiac injury in patients with central nervous system disorders.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria for this entity.
- Recognizing this condition is crucial for appropriate patient management and avoiding misdiagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.
Abstract:
Neuromediated stunned myocardium is a well-known complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage but has rarely been reported in association with other central nervous system disorders. The pathophysiology of this entity remains unclear, but a catecholamine-induced neurocardiogenic injury has been proposed as a causal factor. Typically, patients have rapid full cardiovascular recovery within a few days. We report a case of ischemic stroke, coexisting with ischemic electrocardiographic changes, increased cardiac-specific necrosis biomarkers, regional wall motion abnormalities and a cardiac SPECT consistent with inferior myocardial infarction despite normal coronary arteries. Interestingly, left-ventricular dysfunction in this case persisted longer than usually described despite full neurologic recovery. This case also illustrates the diagnostic challenges posed by this entity which frequently mimics acute myocardial infarction and emphasizes the investigation needed in this area.
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