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Cardiac Stress Test Induced by Dobutamine and Monitored by Cardiac Catheterization in Mice

Published on: February 10, 2013

Dobutamine stress echocardiography-induced broken heart syndrome (Takotsubo Syndrome)

Francisco Juarez Cruz de Vasconcelos Filho1, Cezario Antonio Martins Gomes, Oscar Aires de Queiroz

  • 1Hospital Regional da Unimed, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. fjcvf@cardiol.br

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|October 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Dobutamine stress echocardiography can induce Takotsubo syndrome, a reversible heart condition. This case highlights the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients presenting with chest pain during stress testing.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction.
  • Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a common diagnostic tool for evaluating coronary artery disease.
  • Chest pain is a frequent symptom prompting cardiac investigations.

Observation:

  • A 76-year-old hypertensive patient presented with chest pain during a DSE.
  • Echocardiogram revealed apical akinesia, and ECG showed ST-segment elevation.
  • Coronary angiography demonstrated normal coronary arteries and apical ballooning.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with dobutamine-induced Takotsubo syndrome.
  • Symptoms resolved within 21 days of presentation.
  • The diagnostic procedure itself triggered the cardiac event.

Implications:

  • DSE can precipitate Takotsubo syndrome, necessitating careful patient selection and monitoring.
  • This case underscores the differential diagnosis of chest pain during cardiac stress tests.
  • Recognizing DSE-induced TTS is crucial for appropriate management and patient outcomes.

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