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Apical ballooning with mid-ventricular obstruction: the many faces of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Veronica Spadotto1, Mohamed Elmaghawry, Alessandro Zorzi1

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.

Global Cardiology Science & Practice
|April 2, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or "broken heart syndrome," is a temporary heart condition often triggered by stress. This case study shows full recovery within 4 weeks, highlighting the importance of monitoring this cardiac dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Diseases

Background:

  • Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a transient left ventricular dysfunction characterized by apical ballooning.
  • It often presents with chest pain and ECG changes mimicking myocardial infarction, but without coronary artery disease.
  • The syndrome, also known as "broken heart syndrome," typically affects post-menopausal women and is linked to sympathetic overstimulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of stress-induced cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy).
  • To discuss the electrocardiographic, angiographic, and imaging features of TTC.
  • To highlight the full recovery of left-ventricular systolic function after 4 weeks.

Main Methods:

  • Case report presentation.
  • Review of clinical presentation, including chest pain and ECG findings.
  • Discussion of diagnostic imaging and angiographic features.

Main Results:

  • The patient experienced transient left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning.
  • Electrocardiographic changes included ST-segment elevation, T-wave inversion, and QTc prolongation.
  • Full recovery of left-ventricular systolic function was observed within 4 weeks.

Conclusions:

  • Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a reversible cause of acute heart failure.
  • Early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial for managing TTC.
  • This case underscores the potential for complete recovery in stress-induced cardiomyopathy.

Keywords:
T-wavesTakotsubocardiomyopathyelectrocardiogrammyocardial edemastress-induced

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