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Published on: September 9, 2020
Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Masked by Takotsubo Syndrome
Elisa Gherbesi1,2, Vera Lucia Paiocchi1, Laura Anna Leo1
1Cardiac Imaging Department, Fondazione Cardiocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland.
Insights
A 66-year-old female presented with chest pain and was diagnosed with Takotsubo syndrome. This condition initially masked the signs of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on echocardiography.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Takotsubo syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a transient cardiac dysfunction.
- Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a form of left ventricular hypertrophy predominantly affecting the apex.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old female presented with acute chest pain to the emergency department.
- Initial echocardiography revealed findings consistent with Takotsubo syndrome.
Findings:
- Takotsubo syndrome can mimic other cardiac conditions, presenting a diagnostic challenge.
- The characteristic features of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were initially obscured by the presentation of Takotsubo syndrome.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering differential diagnoses in patients presenting with chest pain.
- Accurate differentiation between Takotsubo syndrome and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is crucial for appropriate patient management and treatment.
- Advanced imaging techniques and serial evaluations may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis in complex cases.
Abstract:
We describe the case of a 66-year-old female presented to our emergency department (ER) with acute chest pain and diagnosed with Takotsubo syndrome that initially prevented from suspecting an apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at echocardiography.
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