Abstract 15913: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, is It Preventable?

Abstract

Introduction: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a reversible type of heart failure that occurs mostly in postmenopausal women. There are no definitive preventive measures in literature for this condition. Case: A 75-year-old female with a past medical history of hypertension presented with a new intermittent pressure-like chest pain and dyspnea right after a 1000-miles road trip. she reported that she had been feeling sad after her best friend died. Physical exam showed bilateral lower lung lobes crepitation and hypoxia. Lab work up revealed troponin of 1522 ng/L trending up to 2400 ng/L on serial measurements and elevated BNP. EKG showed ST changes and inverted T wave. Chest x-ray showed pulmonary vascular congestion and small bilateral pleural effusion. TTE showed LVEF 25-30% and mid and apical LV hypokinesis. Chest CT angiography was normal. Left heart catheter showed nonoccluded coronary arteries. LV angiogram portrayed mid and apical hypokinesis. Serology and PCR of EBV, Coxsackie B virus, CMV, HSV, influenza A and B, adenovirus and parvo virus were negative. She was started on a diuretic, a Beta blocker and an ACE inhibitor. Her symptoms improved. A follow up echocardiogram after 1 month showed improved ejection fraction and resolution of LV mid and apical hypokinesis. Recent combined emotional and physical stress of driving a long distance were thought to be the cause of stress cardiomyopathy. Discussion: Approximately 1-2% of patients presenting with symptoms of MI meet the criteria for TCM. A recent systematic review by Nyman et al on triggers of TCM found that physical factors are more common than emotional factors. However, some cases had both emotional and physical stressors. This patient had combined psychological and physical stressors, which may have precipitated TCM. postmenopausal women with recent emotional stressors should be advised to avoid physical stress until emotional issues have been resolved.