A simple procedure in a complex patient: perioperative takotsubo cardiomyopathy

BMJ Case Rep. 2020 Dec 17;13(12):e233121. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2019-233121.

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a rare but life-threatening condition that is still not completely understood. Characterised by rapidly reversible ventricular dysfunction without any prior coronary artery disease, it can imitate a myocardial infarction and lead to death if not managed appropriately. This report examines a case of intraoperative cardiac arrest in a patient with no previous cardiac disease, and discusses the factors that may have precipitated this event, as well as the ways of distinguishing the cause of the arrest based on clinical course and investigations, eventually leading to a diagnosis of TTC.

Keywords: anaesthesia; cardiovascular medicine; heart failure; surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced / adverse effects*
  • Abortion, Induced / psychology
  • Adult
  • Cardiotonic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Catecholamines / blood
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest / blood
  • Heart Arrest / drug therapy
  • Heart Arrest / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Intraoperative Complications / blood
  • Intraoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Intraoperative Complications / drug therapy
  • Intraoperative Complications / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Simendan / administration & dosage
  • Stress, Psychological / blood
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / blood
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / diagnosis*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / drug therapy
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / etiology

Substances

  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Catecholamines
  • Simendan