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Lifelong recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a case report
Shekinah Chandy1, Dana K Dawson2
1Department of Cardiology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill Campus, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK.
European Heart Journal. Case Reports
|March 4, 2020
Summary
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can recur multiple times in the same individual over decades. This case highlights six potential episodes in one patient, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and long-term management of recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Case Studies
Background:
- Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction.
- While population recurrence rates are known, individual recurrence patterns are less documented.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old woman experienced six likely recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy episodes over 33 years.
- Initial diagnoses of 'myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries' preceded confirmed TTC diagnosis in 2014.
- Cardiac MRI confirmed no myocardial infarction in the 2014 episode.
Findings:
- The patient had three confirmed recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy episodes with varying left ventricular morphologies.
- Previous 'myocardial infarction' diagnoses were likely misdiagnosed takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
- Accurate diagnosis was challenging due to limited awareness of TTC in earlier years.
Implications:
- This case underscores the possibility of extensive recurrence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a single patient.
- It highlights the importance of re-evaluating past cardiac events for potential misdiagnosis of TTC.
- Lifelong secondary prevention strategies may be warranted for individuals with recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
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