Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in pregnancy: a case report and literature review

Abstract

BackgroundTakotsubo cardiomyopathy is rare in pregnancy and is characterized by left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning. This transient cardiac dysfunction may affect women of childbearing age in the antepartum, intrapartum or postpartum period. Most patients respond well to medical management with resolution of cardiac dysfunction within weeks.Case presentationA 35-year-old female in her second pregnancy presented with severe preeclampsia at 31 weeks of gestation. She subsequently developed severe substernal chest pain and workup showed a stress induced cardiomyopathy prior to her delivery via caesarean section. She had full recovery of her cardiac function by 12 weeks postpartum after medical management.ConclusionsStress induced cardiomyopathy, though rare, should be considered after acute myocardial infarction has been ruled out in gravid females presenting with acute chest pain. Management should involve a multidisciplinary team. Cardiac function recovery is common within 4 weeks although some patients may require long term heart failure management.