Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2025

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
Published on: January 29, 2011
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Caused by Carbon Dioxide Intoxication
Haruna Inoue1, Takeshi Nishimura2, Tsuyoshi Nojima3
1Cardiology, Kobe Red Cross Hospital, Kobe, JPN.
Abstract:
A 49-year-old man transferred to our hospital for dyspnea that developed while transporting significant loads of dry ice, which may have caused potential carbon dioxide intoxication. On admission, he presented hyperventilation and disorientation. Transthoracic echocardiography showed the reduced motion of the anterior wall of the left ventricle with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. The patient underwent coronary angiography, which did not show apparent coronary arterial stenosis. The electrocardiogram revealed T-wave change and echocardiography results showed the subsided changes on the third hospital day. He was discharged without any symptoms on the fourth hospital day. Our case demonstrates the potential association between carbon dioxide intoxication and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Our experience may inform emergency physicians in formulating diagnostic/therapeutic approaches for similar patients experiencing cardiac failure following carbon dioxide intoxication.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Carbon Dioxide Transport in the Blood
Forms of CO2 Transport
1. Dissolved in plasma: A small percentage (7-10%) of CO2 is transported and dissolved directly in the plasma.
2. Carbaminohemoglobin: Just over 20% of CO2 is chemically bound to...
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

