Takotsubo cardiomyopathy induced by opioid withdrawal: a case report

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a stress-induced non-ischemic cardiomyopathy that can result from trauma, stimulant use, financial strain, and opioid withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal induced cardiomyopathy is rarely reported in the literature and is thought to result from increased sympathetic activity and catecholamine surge. Early management of opioid withdrawal with opioid agonists, like methadone or buprenorphine, can be crucial. With the opioid epidemic and ongoing rise in opioid-related overdoses, emergency department physicians should maintain a high clinical suspicion for this serious cardiac complication.

This case report details a rare association of opioid withdrawal induced Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and highlights the need for heightened clinician suspicion in the emergency department.