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A Protein Microarray Assay for Serological Determination of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses Following Clostridium difficile Infection
Published on: June 15, 2018
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Clostridium Difficile Infection and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: Is There a Relation?
Hafeez Ul Hassan Virk1, Faisal Inayat2
1Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospitals, Icahn School of Medicine, New York City, New York, USA.
North American Journal of Medical Sciences
|September 2, 2016
Summary
Clostridium difficile infection can trigger Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), a reversible heart condition. This case highlights the importance of considering TCM in patients with C. difficile infection presenting with chest pain.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a transient heart condition mimicking acute coronary syndrome, characterized by reversible left ventricular apical ballooning without coronary artery stenosis.
- TCM is often associated with physical or emotional stress, but its association with specific infections is less understood.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old woman with symptomatic Clostridium difficile infection developed severe chest pain 24 hours after admission.
- Electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation, but coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries.
- Echocardiography demonstrated apical ballooning and global left ventricular hypokinesis, consistent with TCM.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of TCM triggered by Clostridium difficile infection.
- The patient's symptoms resolved with conservative management, and repeat echocardiography showed resolution of heart failure.
Implications:
- Clinicians managing Clostridium difficile infection should be vigilant for potential cardiac complications like TCM.
- Consideration of TCM is crucial in patients with C. difficile infection who present with atypical chest pain.
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