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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
07:11
Morphological and Functional Assessment of the Right Ventricle Using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
[A case report of left ventricular apical systolic dysfunction syndrome]
1Department of Intensive Care Unit, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China. liqiang@bjmu.com.cn
Summary
Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, a rare cardiac event mimicking heart attack, can occur with appendicitis. Prompt treatment of the underlying infection led to full recovery from heart failure and septic shock.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Left ventricular apical systolic dysfunction syndrome, also known as transient left ventricular apical ballooning, is a rare acute cardiac syndrome.
- It presents clinically and electrocardiographically similar to acute myocardial infarction but lacks obstructive epicardial coronary disease.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old female patient admitted for acute appendicitis developed transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome.
- She subsequently experienced acute heart failure and septic shock during her hospital stay.
Findings:
- The patient's cardiac enzyme levels were normal or showed only minor elevation.
- Following drainage of an appendiceal abscess, the patient's acute heart failure and septic shock resolved completely within days.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential association between acute abdominal conditions like appendicitis and cardiac syndromes.
- Early recognition and management of the underlying cause (appendiceal abscess) were crucial for the successful recovery from both cardiac and septic complications.
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