Commentary on 2 Cases of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Involving Psychotropic Medication

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), is a cardiac syndrome first described in Japan in 1990 that typically follows an acute physical or psychiatric stressor, hence its association with the terms "broken heart syndrome" and stress cardiomyopathy. Although it is relatively rare, occurring in only 0.02% of the general population and roughly 2% of patients with acute coronary syndrome, neurological or psychiatric disorders are present in over 50% of affected individuals. One of the major hypotheses regarding the pathophysiology of TTS involves a catecholamine surge, from stress directly, or in some cases from psychiatric medication used to relieve distress. Given the association of TTS with acute stress and psychiatric illness, psychiatrists may be involved in the care of patients with TTS either at the initial presentation of the condition or following recovery. The case reports presented in this issue exemplify these 2 scenarios: one case involves the development of TTS during treatment with atomoxetine, and the other case involves treatment of depression in a patient after recovery from TTS, as well as a TTS recurrence during treatment with fluoxetine.