Tako-Tsubo-like syndrome during anaphylactic reaction

Eur J Heart Fail. 2007 Feb;9(2):209-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ejheart.2006.05.011. Epub 2006 Jul 7.

Abstract

Tako-Tsubo's syndrome (apical ballooning or broken heart syndrome) is a reversible left ventricular dysfunction due to apical asynergy that occurs typically after sudden emotional stress in a subject without coronary disease. It is characterized by acute onset of chest pain or dyspnoea or both and is associated with electrocardiographic changes such as ST segment elevation and/or T wave inversion. Myocardial biomarkers may be normal or slightly elevated. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, generalized hypersensitivity reaction, most often starting with urticaria and/or angioedema, that may involve cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Cardiovascular symptoms, including hypotension, cardiac arrhythmia and chest pain, are presumably linked to cardiac mast cell mediator release. We describe the case of a young woman who experienced a profound reversible cardiomyopathy with typical features of Tako-Tsubo's syndrome during an anaphylactic reaction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anaphylaxis / complications*
  • Biopsy
  • Chest Pain
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Dyspnea
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Syndrome
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / diagnosis
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology*