Abstract
Case. A 64-year-old Caucasian woman was brought to the emergency department with severe dysphagia and left chest pain for last 4 days. Initial evaluation revealed elevated ST segment in precordial leads on EKG with elevated cardiac enzymes. Limited echocardiogram showed infra-apical wall hypokinesia. Cardiac angiography was done subsequently which showed nonflow limiting mild coronary artery disease. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was diagnosed and she was treated medically. On the third day of admission, a repeat ECG showed diffuse convex ST-segment elevations in precordial leads, compatible with acute pericarditis pattern of EKG. Decision was made to start colchicine empirically for possible pericarditis. Follow-up EKG in 2 days showed decreased ST-segment elevations in precordial leads. The patient was discharged with colchicine and a follow-up echocardiogram in 4 weeks demonstrated a normal ejection fraction with no evidence of pericarditis. Conclusion. Acute pericarditis can be associated either as a consequence of or as a triggering factor for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It is vital for physicians to be aware of pericarditis as a potential complication of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Highlights
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), known as transient apical ballooning syndrome or broken heart syndrome, is a sudden onset nonischemic cardiomyopathy that causes akinesis of the left midventricle and apex
Patients usually present with acute chest pain and ST segment elevation on ECG that mimics an acute coronary syndrome
We report a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy that was possibly complicated with asymptomatic pericarditis
Summary
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), known as transient apical ballooning syndrome or broken heart syndrome, is a sudden onset nonischemic cardiomyopathy that causes akinesis of the left midventricle and apex. Patients usually present with acute chest pain and ST segment elevation on ECG that mimics an acute coronary syndrome. The prognosis of TC is mostly favorable. Serious complications can occur including cardiogenic shock, ventricular rupture, dysrhythmia, and pericarditis [1]. The relationship between TC and pericarditis has not been clearly identified. We report a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy that was possibly complicated with asymptomatic pericarditis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
