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Published on: September 9, 2020
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy masked by tako-tsubo syndrome: a case report
Y Daralammori1, M El Garhy2, M R Gayed1
1Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zentralklinik Bad Berka, Robert-Koch-Allee 9, 99437 Bad Berka, Germany.
Insights
Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy may mask underlying obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition, characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction, requires careful evaluation for potential left ventricular outflow obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) presents similarly to acute myocardial infarction.
- Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction is a potential pathophysiological component of TCM.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old female patient exhibited symptoms consistent with TCM.
- Masked obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was identified in the patient upon initial presentation.
Findings:
- TCM can obscure or mask pre-existing LVOT obstruction, such as that seen in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- The transient nature of TCM's left ventricular systolic dysfunction necessitates thorough coronary assessment.
Implications:
- This case supports the theory linking LVOT obstruction to TCM's pathophysiology.
- Early identification of masked LVOT obstruction is crucial for appropriate patient management and prognosis.
- Medical management of heart failure symptoms and watchful waiting offer a favorable prognosis for TCM.
Abstract:
Introduction. Left ventricular outflow obstruction might be part of the pathophysiological mechanism of Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. This obstruction can be masked by Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy and diagnosed only by followup. Case Presentation. A 70-year-old female presented with Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy and masked obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at presentation. Conclusion. Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy typically presents like an acute MI and is characterized by severe, but transient, regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Prompt evaluation of the coronary status is, therefore, mandatory. The prognosis under medical treatment of heart failure symptoms and watchful waiting is favourable. Previous studies showed that LVOT obstruction might be part of the pathophysiological mechanism of TCM. This paper supports this theory. However, TCM may also mask any preexisting LVOT obstruction.
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