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Published on: September 2, 2021
The Association Between Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and Acute Pericarditis
Bernardo Pizarro de Magalhães1, Paulo R Schvartzman2, Victoria B Schvartzman2
1Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Insights
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) rarely co-occurs with pericarditis. This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging, like cardiac MRI, in diagnosing and managing this rare association.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a transient left ventricular dysfunction mimicking acute coronary syndrome.
- TC typically affects postmenopausal women; its association with acute pericarditis is rare.
- The causal relationship and sequence between TC and pericarditis remain unclear.
Background:
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a transient left ventricular dysfunction mimicking acute coronary syndrome, typically occurring in postmenopausal women. Its association with acute pericarditis is rare, raising questions about causality and sequence.
Case Summary:
A 64-year-old woman presented with chest pain, elevated troponin, and echocardiographic findings consistent with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Coronary angiography showed no obstructive disease. Hours later, the patient developed pleuritic chest pain, and cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed pericardial involvement. She was treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, beta blocker, and supportive care, with full recovery of ventricular function at discharge.
Discussion:
Reported cases of concomitant Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and pericarditis are scarce. Pericarditis may arise as a complication of TC via inflammatory spread or, conversely, act as a trigger through stress-induced catecholamine release. Cardiac magnetic resonance is crucial to differentiate Takotsubo cardiomyopathy from myocarditis.
Take-Home Message:
This case illustrates the rare Takotsubo cardiomyopathy-pericarditis association and emphasizes the diagnostic value of advanced imaging for accurate management.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Myocarditis III: Medical Management

