Takotsubo Syndrome

Abstract

Takotsubo syndrome occurs in 1-2% of patients admitted in the emergency department with suspicion of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), over 90% being postmenopause women. Psycho-emotional or physical stress is the main trigger that causes the release of catecholamines, with an important role in the pathophysiology of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. In most cases, supportive and symptomatic treatment is sufficient, with a dynamic follow-up of the left ventricular (LV) function. Usually, a complete recovery occurs in 3-4 weeks. We are presenting the case of a 67-year-old patient with a severe angina attack which occuredafter a major psycho-emotional stress, with an electrocardiographic appearance of an anterior STEMI and echocardiographic apical ballooning, both compatible with Takotsubo syndrome. Coronary angiography showed a muscle bridge with a systolic compression of 75% on the anterior descending artery (ADA). The evolution was marked by the occurrence of cardiogenic shock remitted under treatment, with complete recovery of LV systolic function. The particularity of the case resides in an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after a psycho-emotional stress associated with a muscular bridge, as well as the appearance of the cardiogenic shock.