Abstract 17642: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy After Guillian Barre Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Guillian Barre Syndrome (GBS) has the potential to cause acute and long-term cardiac effects. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy(TCM) is a life-threatening manifestation of dysautonomia in patients with GBS, although infrequently reported in the literature. We present a case of TCM in the setting of GBS. Case Presentation: A 54-year-old woman with no past history presented with progressive ascending bilateral lower limb weakness, numbness and paraesthesia following a recent chest infection. On exam, she had reduced motor power and absent deep tendon reflexes. MRI brain was normal. CSF analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation(1a). Nerve Conduction Studies(NCS) showed severe sensorimotor polyneuropathy with demyelinating features suggestive of GBS. She was treated with plasmapheresis. The next day, she developed respiratory failure and was hemodynamically unstable with persistent tachycardia and labile blood pressure. ECG showed sinus tachycardia with ST-segment depression(1b). Chest CT was normal. Echocardiogram showed moderate anterolateral hypokinesia with an ejection fraction(EF) of 30%. Coronary angiography showed no significant arterial stenosis, suggesting TCM with a diagnostic TCM score of 59 (1c,1d). She received steroids, furosemide and norepinephrine. Repeat ECG and echocardiogram on day 11 were normal with improved EF (52%).This was followed by a Cardiac MRI which was normal (1e). Discussion: The precise etiology of TCM in GBS is unknown and is believed to be related to a complex interplay of autonomic dysfunction, catecholamine release and inflammation. Although rare, TCM is a fatal complication of GBS, warranting urgent evaluation and management. Sudden onset hemodynamic instability and new onset ECG changes may raise the suspicion of TCM in GBS and must be ruled out. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the patient’s prognosis.