Emotional Stress-induced Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, Acute Heart Failure, and Atrial Fibrillation in the Same Patient

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient systolic dysfunction of apical and central parts of the left ventricle in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Usually, it is triggered by intense emotional or physical stress. The prognosis tends to be good. Rare complications include heart failure, cardiogenic shock, left ventricular free wall rupture, and cardiac arrhythmia. We present a patient with takotsubo cardiomyopathy complicated by acute heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The symptoms appeared due to emotional stress. This case highlights acute emotional stress as a potent trigger for transient myocardial dysfunction with acute heart failure and rhythm disturbance.