Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Consequence of Blunt Chest Trauma

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or "broken heart syndrome," is a transient form of myocardial dysfunction often triggered by emotional or physical stress. While typically associated with emotional distress and possible physical stress, TTC has rarely been reported in the context of physical trauma, including blunt chest injuries. This case report describes a novel instance of TTC in an 84-year-old woman who developed the condition following a motor vehicle accident, resulting in blunt chest trauma. Coronary artery disease was ruled out through coronary angiography, which showed no significant coronary obstruction. The patient's left ventricular ejection fraction at presentation was 25-30%, indicative of severe systolic dysfunction. The patient's clinical course, diagnostic findings, and management are discussed, contributing to the literature by expanding the understanding of TTC's potential occurrence following blunt trauma. This case supports prior findings that emotional and physical stress can trigger TTC but challenges the assumption that TTC is predominantly linked to emotional triggers. It also introduces a novel aspect of TTC in the elderly, emphasizing the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients presenting with chest pain and cardiac dysfunction after physical trauma.