scholarly journals A life-threatening reverse Takotsubo syndrome in a young breastfeeding woman: a case report

Author(s):  
Carla Marques Pires ◽  
Sérgia Rocha ◽  
Nuno Salomé ◽  
Pedro Azevedo

Abstract Background Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and is usually triggered by emotional, physical or combined stress. This syndrome has been increasingly recognized, although it remains a challenging and often misdiagnosed disorder. Case Summary A 36-year-old breastfeeding woman was admitted with sudden dyspnoea and oppressive chest pain. On admission she was lethargic, hypotensive and tachycardic. The electrocardiogram showed rapid atrial fibrillation and diffuse ST-segment depression. The transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed severe LV systolic dysfunction, with midventricular and basal akinesis, compensatory apical hyperkinesia and without intraventricular gradient. Emergent coronary angiogram showed normal coronary arteries. A presumptive diagnosis of reverse TTS with cardiogenic shock was made. The patient was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit after intubation and inotropic and vasopressor support was initiated. During hospitalization, rapid clinical improvement was observed. In three days, the patient was weaned from hemodynamic support and extubated. Furthermore, β-blocker and angiotensin receptor blocker were initiated and tolerated. Cabergoline was also administered to inhibit lactation. The presumptive diagnosis was further strengthened by cardiac magnetic resonance and all triggering factors were excluded. At hospital discharge she was asymptomatic and the follow-up TTE was normal, which confirmed the diagnosis of reverse TTS. DISCUSSION We present a case of a young woman, eight months after delivery, which developed a life-threatening reverse TTS without triggering factor identified. Reverse TTS is a rare variant of TTS with different clinical features and is more likely to be complicated by pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 3235
Author(s):  
Davide Di Vece ◽  
Angelo Silverio ◽  
Michele Bellino ◽  
Gennaro Galasso ◽  
Carmine Vecchione ◽  
...  

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by acute, generally transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Although TTS has been long regarded as a benign condition, recent evidence showed that rate of acute complications and in-hospital mortality is comparable to that of patients with acute coronary syndrome. In particular, the prevalence of cardiogenic shock ranges between 6% and 20%. In this setting, detection of mechanisms leading to cardiogenic shock can be challenging. Besides a severely impaired systolic function, onset of LV outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) together with mitral regurgitation related to systolic anterior motion of mitral valve leaflets can lead to hemodynamic instability. Early identification of LVOTO with echocardiography is crucial and has important implications on selection of the appropriate therapy. Application of short-acting b1-selective betablockers and prudent administration of fluids might help to resolve LVOTO. Conversely, inotrope agents may increase basal hypercontractility and worsen the intraventricular pressure gradient. To date, outcomes and management of patients with TTS complicated by LVOTO as yet has not been comprehensively investigated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Bebiana Manuela Monteiro Faria ◽  
João Português ◽  
Roberto Roncon-Albuquerque Jr ◽  
Rodrigo Pimentel

Abstract Background Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is characterized by a transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and rarely presents with cardiogenic shock (CS). Inverted TS (ITS) is a rare entity associated with the presence of a pheochromocytoma. Case summary We present a case of a young woman was admitted to the emergency department due to intense headache, chest discomfort, palpitations, and breathlessness. An ITS secondary to a pheochromocytoma crisis presenting with CS was diagnosed. The patient was managed with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, until recovery of LV function. On the 35th day of hospitalization, open bilateral adrenalectomy was performed. Discussion Takotsubo syndrome patients presenting with CS are challenging and clinicians should be aware of underlying causes. Specific triggers such as pheochromocytoma should systematically be considered particularly if ITS was presented. Extracorporeal life support devices could provide temporary mechanical circulatory support in patients with TS on refractory CS and help to manage complex cases with TS due to pheochromocytoma.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 232470962110340
Author(s):  
Jordan Mudery ◽  
Joanne P. Starr ◽  
Anjan Batra ◽  
Robert B. Kelly

Supraventricular tachycardia is the most common tachyarrhythmia in pediatrics. Although postoperative junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) is a known complication of congenital heart surgery that is typically transient, congenital JET is rare and requires aggressive treatment to maintain hemodynamic stability. We describe the case of a 3-month-old, previously healthy female who presented with heart failure and cardiogenic shock secondary to congenital JET for whom extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provided time for selection of effective therapy. Adenosine, cardioversion, and transesophageal pacing were unsuccessful, and her echocardiogram demonstrated bilateral atrial dilation and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Approximately 8 hours after presentation, venous-arterial ECMO was commenced allowing for successful treatment with amiodarone. Her electrocardiogram demonstrated atrioventricular dissociation consistent with JET. She was successfully decannulated from ECMO after 6 days. Her discharge echocardiogram showed normal ventricular function, and she had no significant ECMO sequelae. This case demonstrates the value of early ECMO initiation for cardiovascular support in pediatric patients with a life-threatening arrhythmia and in cardiogenic shock. ECMO support can allow for full diagnostic and therapeutic decisions to effectively reverse the consequences of uncontrolled arrhythmias unrelated to surgical complications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1066
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Zalewska-Adamiec ◽  
Hanna Bachórzewska-Gajewska ◽  
Sławomir Dobrzycki

Background: The most serious complication of the acute Takotsubo phase is a myocardial perforation, which is rare, but it usually results in the death of the patient. Methods: In the years 2008–2020, 265 patients were added to the Podlasie Takotsubo Registry. Cardiac rupture was observed in five patients (1.89%), referred to as the Takotsubo syndrome with complications of cardiac rupture (TS+CR) group. The control group consisted of 50 consecutive patients with uncomplicated TS. The diagnosis of TS was based on the Mayo Clinic Criteria. Results: Cardiac rupture was observed in women with TS aged 74–88 years. Patients with TS and CR were older (82.20 vs. 64.84; p = 0.011), than the control group, and had higher troponin, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and blood glucose levels (168.40 vs. 120.67; p = 0.010). The TS+CR group demonstrated a higher heart rate (95.75 vs. 68.38; p < 0.0001) and the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scores (186.20 vs. 121.24; p < 0.0001) than the control group. In patients with CR, ST segment elevation was recorded significantly more often in the III, V4, V5 and V6 leads. Left ventricular free wall rupture was noted in four patients, and in one case, rupture of the ventricular septum. In a multivariate logistic regression, the factors that increase the risk of CR in TS were high GRACE scores, and the presence of ST segment elevation in lead III. Conclusions: Cardiac rupture in TS is rare but is the most severe mechanical complication and is associated with a very high risk of death. The main risk factors for left ventricular perforation are female gender, older age, a higher concentration of cardiac enzymes, higher GRACE scores, and ST elevations shown using electrocardiogram (ECG).


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1510.1-1511
Author(s):  
T. Kuga ◽  
M. Matsushita ◽  
K. Tada ◽  
K. Yamaji ◽  
N. Tamura

Background:Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is detected in up to 50% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients1and major cause of death2. Even clinically silent SLE patients can develop left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction3. Proper echocardiographic follow up of SLE patients is required.Objectives:To clarify how the prevalence of LV abnormalities changes over follow-up period and identify the associated clinical factors, useful in suspecting LV abnormalities.Methods:29 SLE patients (24 females and 5 men, mean age 52.8±16.3 years, mean disease duration 17.6±14.5 years) were enrolled. All of them underwent echocardiography as the baseline examination and reexamined over more than a year of follow-up period(mean 1075±480 days) from Jan 2014 to Sep 2019. Patients complicated with pulmonary artery hypertension, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and underwent cardiac surgery during the follow-up period were excluded. Left ventricular(LV) systolic dysfunction was defined as ejection fraction (EF) < 50%. LV diastolic dysfunction was defined according to ASE/EACVI guideline4. LV dysfunction (LVD) includes one or both of LV systolic dysfunction and LV diastolic function. Monocyte to HDL ratio (MHR) was calculated by dividing monocyte count with HDL-C level.Prevalence of left ventricular abnormalities was analysed at baseline and follow-up examination. Clinical characteristics and laboratory data were compared among patient groups as follows; patients with LV dysfunction (Group A) and without LV dysfunction (Group B) at the follow-up echocardiography, patients with LV asynergy at any point of examination (Group C) and patients free of LV abnormalities during the follow-up period (Group D).Results:At the baseline examination, LV dysfunction (5/29 cases, 13.8%), LV asynergy (6/29 cases, 21.7%) were detected. Pericarditis was detected in 7 patients (24.1%, LVD in 3 patients, LV asynergy in 2 patients) and 2 of them with subacute onset had progressive LV dysfunction, while 5 patients were normal in echocardiography after remission induction therapy for SLE. At the follow-up examination, LV dysfunction (9/29 cases, 31.0%, 5 new-onset and 1 improved case), LV asynergy (6/29 cases, 21.7%, 2 new-onset and 2 improved cases) were detected. Though any significant differences were observed between Group A and Group B at the baseline, platelet count (156.0 vs 207.0, p=0.049) were significantly lower in LV dysfunction group (Group A) at the follow-up examination. Group C patients had significantly higher uric acid (p=0.004), monocyte count (p=0.009), and MHR (p=0.003) than Group D(results in table).Conclusion:LV dysfunction is progressive in most of patients and requires regular follow-up once they developed. Uric acid, monocyte count and MHR are elevated in SLE patients with LV asynergy. Since MHR elevation was reported as useful marker of endothelial dysfunction5, our future goal is to analyse involvement of monocyte activation and endothelial dysfunction in LV asynergy of SLE patients.References:[1]Doria A et al. Lupus. 2005;14(9):683-6.[2]Manger K et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2002 Dec;61(12):1065-70.[3]Leone P et al. Clin Exp Med. 2019 Dec 17.[4]Nagueh SF et al. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2016 Apr;29(4):277-314.[5]Acikgoz N et al. Angiology. 2018 Jan;69(1):65-70.Numbers are median (interquartile range), Mann-Whitney u test were performed, p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Kupczynska ◽  
KA Nguyen ◽  
E Surkova ◽  
CH Palermo ◽  
F Sambugaro ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Karolina Kupczynska was supported by research grant awarded by the Club 30 of the Polish Cardiac Society Background Left bundle branch block (LBBB) affects left ventricular (LV) mechanics and promotes systolic dysfunction. Purpose To analyse myocardial work (MW) and myocardial work efficiency (MWE) of the septal and LV lateral wall in healthy controls and LBBB patients with various degrees of LV dysfunction using non-invasive method. Methods Our study involved 102 healthy controls (mean age 41.5 ± 15.7 years, 45% male) and 58 LBBB patients without coronary artery disease (mean age 65 ± 13 years, 60% male) divided into 3 groups based on their LVEF: preserved (n= 27), mid-range (n= 16) and reduced (n= 15). Myocardial work parameters were estimated in septal and lateral wall by LV pressure-strain loop obtained by echocardiography. Results There were no differences between septal and lateral MW and MWE in healthy controls (p = NS). We found lower septal MW in comparison to lateral MW (p &lt; 0.0001), but there were no differences in MWE (p = NS) in LBBB patients with preserved LVEF. Patients with LBBB and mid-range or reduced LVEF had lower MW (p &lt; 0.0001 in both subgroups) and lower MWE (p = 0.002 and p = 0.0001, respectively) in septum compared with lateral wall. There was a progressive decrease in septal MW and MWE with the occurring of LBBB and the worsening of LVEF (figure A). Interestingly in healthy controls there was significantly lower lateral MW but higher MWE in comparison to group with LBBB and preserved LVEF. We did not detect differences between LBBB groups with preserved and mid-range LVEF, but patients with reduced LVEF had significant reduction in terms of lateral MW and MWE (figure B). Conclusions Impairment in septal myocardial work escalated according to the appearance of LBBB and LVEF loss. Septal dysfunction was compensated by the effective myocardial work of the lateral wall in LBBB patients with preserved and mid-range LVEF. Mechanical dysfunction of the lateral wall was associated with severely reduced LVEF. Abstract Figure.


Hypertension ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayed Tariq ◽  
James Anderson ◽  
Rohit Dhingra ◽  
Mikhail Torosoff

Background: Effects of anti-hypertensive medications on left ventricular dimensions and systolic function in patients with arterio-venous (AV) fistulas have not been well investigated. Material and Methods: Medical charts and echocardiograms of 346 patients with AV fistula were reviewed. Of 346, 149 patients had TTE prior to the AV fistula surgery, 197 had TTE after the AV fistula surgery, and 76 patients had TTE before and after the AV fistula surgery. Data on medication use was available in 314 patients. ANOVA, chi-square, and logistic regression tests were employed. Results: In patients scheduled for AV fistula placement, 20% (31/149) patients had systolic dysfunction and 15% (22/142) had increased LV end-diastolic dimensions (LVEDD). Moderate systolic LV dysfunction was observed in 6% (9/149) and additional 8% (12/149) had severe LV dysfunction. Increased LVEDD with some LV dysfunction was noted in 27% (38/142).Following the AV fistula placement, 18% (36/197) of patients had systolic dysfunction and 12% (22/187) had increased LV end-diastolic dimensions (LVEDD). Moderate or severe systolic LV dysfunction was observed in 6% (5/197). LV systolic dysfunction or dilatation was noted in 23% (43/187). Of 314 patients, 63% were on beta-blockers (BB), 25% were on ACE inhibitor or an ARB , 43% on calcium-channel blocker , and 15% on alpha-antagonist . BB, ACEi-ARB, or AA were not associated with increased LVEDD or systolic dysfunction before or after the AV fistula placement. Prior to AV fistula, CCB treatment was not related to LV dilatation (36% in each group, p=0.981) Post AV fistula, CCB treatment was associated with increased LV dimensions (71% vs. 46%, p=0.029) but not LV systolic dysfunction (49% in LV dysfunction vs. 38% in the rest, p=0.446) . This association persisted after adjustment for co-morbidities and demographic parameters. Conclusions: LV systolic dysfunction and/or dilatation are common in patients undergoing AV fistula surgery. Despite decreased use of Ca-channel blockers in patients with LV dysfunction prior to AV fistula, Ca-channel blockers are associated with increased LV dimensions post AV fistula, and probably should be avoided in this vulnerable patient population.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 314-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Bouabdallaoui ◽  
Denis Bouchard ◽  
E. Marc Jolicoeur ◽  
Alexandra Chronopoulos ◽  
Pierre Y Garneau ◽  
...  

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been extensively used for cardiopulmonary support in cardiogenic shock. However, its clinical value in the management of pheochromocytoma crisis remains unclear. We report a rare case of life-threatening cardiogenic shock managed with peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation combined with endovascular left ventricular venting, in a 40-year-old female patient, in the setting of unknown adrenal pheochromocytoma. We highlight the life-saving role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in undiagnosed endocrine emergencies, allowing cardiac and end-organ recovery, and giving time for accurate diagnosis and specific treatment in such unusual situations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 598-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. Shilova ◽  
A. O. Shmotkina ◽  
A. A. Yafarova ◽  
M. Yu. Gilyarov

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a reversible left ventricular dysfunction characterized by local apical hypokinesia usually triggered by a physical or emotional stress. According to the last available data TTS may represent 2% of all admissions for acute coronary syndromes. Despite the reliable prevalence, diagnosis of TTS remains difficult. The initial presentation, both clinically and electrocardiographically, is similar to an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The biomarker profile is also similar, although the peaks of troponin and creatinine kinase levels are lower, and brain natriuretic peptide levels are higher in patients with TTS compared with ST-segment elevation AMI. Modified Mayo diagnostic criteria are the most common for the diagnosis. Pathogenesis of TTS currently is not well understood. Catecholamines appear to play a central role in the pathophysiology of TTS. However, it is conceivable that some people have a genetic predisposition to stress-induced TTS. A genetic predisposition has been suggested based on the few familial TTS cases described. Despite reversible myocardial dysfunction, acute heart failure is the most common complication in the acute phase of TTS. In-hospital mortality rate is comparable to that of ST-segment elevation AMI. There are no randomized clinical trials to support specific treatment recommendations in TTS. It is believed that the tactics of managing patients with TTS hospitalized with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome should comply with the protocol of management of patients with AMI while acute coronary pathology is not excluded.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document