Atypical Presentation of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in an Elderly Woman

Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2022 Jun 24;18(1):17-22. doi: 10.14797/mdcvj.1100. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

We describe an 83-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with extreme thirst. Diagnostic testing revealed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Following symptomatic improvement and discharge, she returned to the emergency department with exudative pericardial effusion and elevated intrapericardial pressures. This case illustrates the importance of close follow-up of Takotsubo patients in whom complications such as pericardial effusion may lead to cardiac tamponade and hemodynamic instability if not managed properly.

Keywords: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy; apical ballooning syndrome; cardiac tamponade; hemodynamic instability; pericardial effusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cardiac Tamponade* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cardiac Tamponade* / etiology
  • Cardiac Tamponade* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pericardial Effusion* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pericardial Effusion* / etiology
  • Pericardial Effusion* / therapy
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy* / diagnostic imaging
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy* / therapy