Cardiac Anomaly: Reverse Takotsubo Following Gallbladder Surgery

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a reversible heart dysfunction often linked to emotional stress.
• Reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (rTTC) is a rare variant affecting the left ventricle's base, typically seen in younger women.
• Postoperative rTTC is infrequently documented in medical literature.

Observation:

• An 81-year-old female presented with shortness of breath and exertional chest pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• Elevated cardiac biomarkers (troponin, beta-natriuretic peptide) suggested acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
• Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed findings consistent with rTTC.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates an unusual presentation of rTTC in an elderly female following a common surgical procedure.
• This challenges the typical demographic profile associated with rTTC.
• The findings underscore the importance of considering rTTC in postoperative patients with cardiac symptoms.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of rTTC's potential triggers and patient demographics.
• It emphasizes the need for heightened clinical suspicion for rTTC in elderly patients post-surgery.
• Further research into postoperative rTTC is warranted to improve diagnosis and management.