Abstract 18616: When Stress Strikes the Heart: Developing Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy With Uncommon Complications

Abstract

Introduction: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or "broken heart syndrome," is a rare condition that predominantly affects postmenopausal women. The etiology of TCM is not entirely understood, but it is thought to be related to catecholamine-induced myocardial stunning. Clinical presentation typically mimics acute coronary syndrome. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) is an uncommon complication of TCM, with only a few cases reported in the literature. Case Presentation: A 78-year-old lady presented with chest pain that started a week ago. It was associated with exertion and resolved with rest. It was located substernally, pressure-like, and was 7/10 in intensity. EKG revealed diffuse inferolateral ST segment depression. Her initial troponin was 0.2 which climbed up to 5. She was diagnosed with NSTEMI and was started on IV heparin. Cardiac catheterization revealed no significant CAD. Echocardiography revealed wall motion abnormalities suggestive of Takutsubo Cardiomyopathy (apical ballooning syndrome) with apical hypokinesis and hypercontractile basal segment of the left ventricle. She also had LVOTO with a peak and mean gradient of 80 and 48 mmHg respectively. Her LVEF was calculated to be 40 %. There also was accompanied systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve leaflet. Given the above findings, she was started on a beta blocker along with an angiotensin receptor blocker. Patient’s chest pain resolved with this and was discharged in a stable condition on day three. Follow up appointment at the clinic showed complete resolution of her HOCM and LVOTO. Discussion: The key to managing patients with TCM is to identify LVOTO early, and avoid inotropes and vasodilators. Beta blockers are seen as the cornerstone of treatment. Fortunately, this is a self-resolving condition and the prognosis is excellent with resolution of echocardiographic abnormalities and symptoms within a few weeks’ time.