Stress cardiomyopathy associated with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after colonoscopy

Stress cardiomyopathy (SCM) is usually precipitated by a physiologically or psychologically stressful event. Although it occurs only rarely, hypoxia- and hypercapnia-induced sympathetic activation may also cause SCM. We present the case of a 37-year-old woman affected with SCM after a routine colonoscopy. During the procedure, she aspirated residual polyethylene glycol from her stomach. Hypotension, resting dyspnea, and hemoptysis were subsequently observed. Laboratory findings revealed elevated cardiac enzymes, and a transthoracic echocardiogram revealed left ventricular (LV) global hypokinesia. She was ultimately diagnosed with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage-associated SCM. After successful treatment with a ventilator and corticosteroids, her LV systolic function and dimensions normalized and she was discharged without complications.