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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
08:30
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
Cardiology
|March 10, 2009
Summary
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.
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