Takotsubo Syndrome Following Status Epilepticus in a Heart Transplant Recipient: A Case Report
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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Murine Cervical Heart Transplantation Model Using a Modified Cuff Technique
Published on: October 12, 2014
Takeshi Shikama1, Mio Shikama1, Naoki Hayase1
1The University of Tokyo, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Introduction:
Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) expresses transient wall motion abnormality of the left ventricle, reportedly induced by sympathetic overstimulation. Takotsubo syndrome is unlikely to be included in the differential diagnosis of heart transplant patients with sudden cardiac dysfunction given the complete denervation occurring during the transplantation.
Case Report:
In this case report we describe the case of a female heart transplant recipient who showed apical ballooning on an echocardiogram following status epilepticus. Detailed clinical examinations and her clinical course confirmed the diagnosis of TTS. An iodine-123 meta iodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy revealed partial cardiac sympathetic reinnervation in the transplanted heart.
Conclusion:
This case demonstrates that TTS can manifest itself even in a transplanted heart with partial sympathetic reinnervation.
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