Reverse stress cardiomyopathy post-liver transplant needing mechanical circulatory support

A 39-year-old female patient with hepatitis B-related decompensated chronic liver disease underwent living donor liver transplantation. Preoperatively, she had a normal electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography, and also a negative dobutamine stress echocardiography test. Intraoperative course went uneventful. Two hours postoperatively, she developed hypotension. Initially, hypotension was treated with fluids and blood products after confirming normal echocardiography, but with time, patient's haemodynamics worsened. Repeat echocardiography showed postero-inferior regional wall motion abnormality. Troponin I was significantly elevated, but ECG was normal. Suspecting myocardial infarction coronary angiography was done which was normal. Based on Mayo's criteria, patient was diagnosed with reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy since postero-inferior wall was involved. Inotropic support failed to maintain haemodynamics and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was placed. Inotropes were gradually tapered and IABP was removed at day 4. Twenty days later, repeat echocardiography was normal and patient was subsequently discharged.