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Epidural Steroid Injection-Procedure-related Stress (Takotsubo) Cardiomyopathy: A Rare Case
S Prashanth1, Pradeep M Venkategowda1
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Apollo Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Summary
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a form of acute heart failure, can be triggered by procedures like epidural steroid injections. This case report details a patient who developed stress cardiomyopathy after such an injection, emphasizing early diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Stress cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), is characterized by transient, reversible acute heart failure.
- It is typically provoked by significant physical or emotional stress.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient presenting with sudden chest pain and breathlessness post-epidural steroid injection for a prolapsed intervertebral disc.
- Initial assessments including ECG, troponin levels, and echocardiography mimicked acute coronary syndrome.
Findings:
- Coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries, ruling out acute coronary syndrome.
- The patient was diagnosed with stress cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy) and successfully managed.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare instance of procedure-related early stress cardiomyopathy following an epidural steroid injection.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality in stress cardiomyopathy.
