An unusual cause of recurrent chest pain in an adult woman: a case of recurrent stress-induced (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 May 24:2013:bcr2013009546. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-009546.

Abstract

Recurrent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a relatively uncommon condition seen in patients with severe physical or emotional stress. We report a case of a 51-year-old woman who had recurrent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy with involvement of apical left ventricular (LV) segments, induced by intense emotional stress. On two occasions she presented with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome accompanied by LV regional wall motion abnormalities without a culprit coronary stenosis, and exhibited complete resolution of symptoms and restoration of normal LV wall motion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use
  • Chest Pain / drug therapy
  • Chest Pain / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Recurrence
  • Stress, Psychological / complications*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / diagnosis*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / drug therapy
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / etiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Aspirin