Takotsubo cardiomyopathy following pericardiectomy: A case report

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is defined as a temporary and reversible systolic abnormality of the left ventricle's apical area resembling myocardial infarction in the nonexistence of coronary artery disease. Only a few cases have been reported after cardiac operations or after pericardiocentesis.

To emphasize the need to be aware of the possibility of the occurrence of this potentially fatal complication after cardiac surgery.

A 66-year-old man underwent a pericardiectomy. He progressed to exacerbation of hemodynamic instability postoperatively and was diagnosed with TC, finally, he had to be supported by an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Patient's left ventricle function recovered fully in 2 weeks.

We discussed the pathogenesis and treatment of postoperative TC.

TC has to be carefully considered in the differential diagnosis in case of acute left ventricle dysfunction following cardiac surgery.