Takotsubo cardiomyopathy as a potential cause of long QT syndrome and torsades de pointes

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an increasingly reported syndrome characterized by transient apical left ventricular dysfunction in absence of flow limiting coronary artery disease. Prolongation of QT interval associated with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has been previously reported in published case series but none of these series reported occurrence of torsades de pointes. Reported here is a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy resulting in QT prolongation and torsades de pointes in an emotionally distressed woman. The patient had a complete recovery of cardiac function in a week. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy should be considered among the causes of long QT syndrome and torsades de pointes.