Near-drowning syndrome: a possible trigger of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy

J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2008 May;9(5):501-5. doi: 10.2459/JCM.0b013e3282f03aca.

Abstract

We report a case of transient tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy characterized by an unusual trigger in a woman victim of near-drowning syndrome. After 24 h, electrocardiogram changes and a typical echocardiographic pattern of apical ballooning with a mild increase of serum troponin level induced the suspicion of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy despite the absence of chest pain. Left ventriculography confirmed the apical ballooning, and coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries. Electrocardiogram changes and apical contraction abnormalities were reversed within 1 month. In conclusion, we hypothesize that hypoxemia related to near-drowning syndrome could have induced transient myocardial dysfunction mediated by a sympathetic nerve activation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Near Drowning / complications*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / diagnosis
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / etiology*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / physiopathology