Abstract 12896: Case of Probable Takutsubo's Cardiomyopathy Post Intravenous Immunoglobulin Infusion for Neuromyopathy Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Takotsubo’s Cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a diagnosis of exclusion recognized by regional left ventricle (LV) dysfunction and absent coronary artery disease. There are isolated reports of patients with autoimmune conditions developing TCM post intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). IVIG is a plasma product which inactivates microbial antigens and downregulates certain cytokines, but its cardiac effects are varied. Our case describes a female with progressive neuromyopathy who developed cardiomyopathy post IVIG infusion. Case: A 68 year old female, with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and neuromyopathy presented with worsening dysarthria and gait issues for 2 years. Examination revealed multiple neurological deficits, and vital signs showed pulse of 105 with blood pressure of 101/75 mmHg. Initial electrocardiogram (EKG) showed sinus tachycardia and CT angiogram of head was unremarkable. She had a negative cardiac catheterization 2 years ago and a normal echocardiogram 6 months ago. IVIG 400 mg/kg daily for 5 days was started for neuromyopathy flare. She had chest pain on infusion day 4. EKG showed ST elevation in leads V2-V4, and labs revealed troponin I of 0.96 ng/ml with proBNP of 7583 pg/mL. Echo showed LV akinesis with preserved basal segmental function suggestive of TCM. Carvedilol and losartan were started. Further ischemic work up was not done as she died from respiratory failure. Discussion: IVIG is linked to thromboembolic events including strokes and myocardial infarction (MI), but TCM is rare. Risk factors include high dose therapy (>1g/kg), coronary artery disease, prior MI, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune conditions, or hyperviscosity states. Our patient had multiple risk factors for MI post infusion including age, gender, and comorbidities. Her assessment is limited by incomplete ischemic workup. IVIG may have negative cardiac effects secondary to vasoconstrictive cytokines, arterial spasm, or increased blood viscosity, but is confounded by other factors in this case. Conclusions: IVIG has poorly described cardiac effects including possible induction of TCM. Further trials monitoring cardiac outcomes post IVIG stratified by dosage and risk would improve patient selection and education.