Takotsubo cardiomyopathy triggered by frequent psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A case report

Acute Med Surg. 2024 Mar 13;11(1):e941. doi: 10.1002/ams2.941. eCollection 2024 Jan-Dec.

Abstract

Background: Coexistence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures has rarely been reported. Herein, we report a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy triggered by psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

Case presentation: A 50-year-old woman with a 22-year history of dissociative and panic disorders and a 7-year history of seizures increasing in frequency was admitted due to cardiogenic shock. Based on the left ventriculography and electroencephalography findings, she was diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Seizures were controlled using antipsychotic agents, resulting in improved cardiac function, and she was discharged. However, she died of cardiopulmonary arrest 9 days after discharge.

Conclusion: Since controlling psychogenic epileptic seizures is difficult, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy triggered by psychogenic nonepileptic seizures may have poor prognosis, requiring careful management and close monitoring.

Keywords: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy; cardiogenic shock; epilepsy; psychogenic nonepileptic seizures; seizure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports