Case report: Takotsubo syndrome following percutaneous coronary intervention

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), which is frequently secondary to severe emotional (fear, anxiety, etc.) or physical stress, is an acute reversible heart failure syndrome characterized by temporary left ventricular regional systolic dysfunction. Nevertheless, TTS after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is rare, and its clinical characteristics are easily confused with complications after PCI.

This article reports a case of TTS induced by psychological and physical pressure after successful PCI in our institution. The patient had symptoms comparable to complications after PCI, including V1-V5 ST segment elevation and T wave changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) and troponin elevation. Coronary angiogram, left ventricle opacification (LVO), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were performed to exclude postoperative complications. Diagnosis of TTS was eventually achieved.

We cannot dismiss the risk of TTS in patients who have unexplained V1-V5 ST segment elevation and T wave changes of ECG and troponin elevation following successful PCI. Meanwhile, medical personnel should provide mental, cultural, and emotional services to patients in addition to essential diagnostic and treatment technical services during the perioperative period.