Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2025 Sep 15;87(11):7654-7656. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000003904. eCollection 2025 Nov.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a transient form of left ventricular dysfunction often triggered by emotional or physical stress. It mimics acute myocardial infarction but occurs without obstructive coronary artery disease. The exact pathophysiology remains unclear, though excessive catecholamine release is believed to play a role.
CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old woman with no significant medical history presented after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, followed by chest pain and confusion. She reported emotional stress from a recent divorce. ECG showed ST-segment elevation, and echocardiography revealed apical hypokinesia with left ventricular ballooning. Troponin levels were elevated. Coronary angiography confirmed normal arteries, and the diagnosis of TC was made. The patient was treated with antiplatelet, heparin, and streptokinase, and she recovered without complications.
DISCUSSION: TC typically affects postmenopausal women and is often triggered by stress. Though rare, seizures may occur in TC, potentially linked to excessive catecholamine release. This case demonstrates TC in a young woman, highlighting that emotional stress can induce TC even in the absence of traditional risk factors. Coronary angiography is crucial to confirm the diagnosis.
CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the atypical presentation of TC in a young patient, emphasizing the importance of considering TC in seizure presentations triggered by emotional stress.
PMID:41180620 | PMC:PMC12577983 | DOI:10.1097/MS9.0000000000003904
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