Takotsubo: the great simulator of acute myocardial stroke

Case report

Abstract

Takotsubo myocardiopathy, known as broken-heart syndrome due to its relationship with stressful situations, is characterized by causing symptoms which are suggestive of myocardial infarction, in the context of temporary left ventricular systolic dysfunction, with no angiographic evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. It is much more common in older adults, predominantly in women. It is diagnosed by clinical, echocardiographic and angiographic findings. Treatment is eminently medical, generally associated with spontaneous and progressive recovery of the left ventricular systolic function. However, when the clinical presentation simulates an acute myocardial infarction in a setting where angiography is not available, there must be a clear therapeutic decision, without underestimating that a confirmed diagnosis, depending on the patient´s ventricular function and/or comorbidities, may trigger cardiogenic shock and be fatal. A case of Takotsubo myocardiopathy is described, along with its management and follow-up