Acute Pericarditis as an Effect or Cause of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is defined as a reversible non-ischemic regional wall motion abnormality. A 68-year-old female presented with an acute onset of breathlessness and chest pain for one day. The electrocardiogram showed features suggestive of acute pericarditis. Her troponin I was elevated. Echocardiographic evaluation revealed a regional wall motion abnormality in the apex. Upon proceeding to an emergency invasive coronary angiography, the proximal left anterior descending artery was found to have a left dominant system with non-flow-limiting coronary artery disease. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy-like characteristics were seen on the left ventricular angiography. Colchicine and high-dose aspirin were prescribed to her. After 24 hours, an electrocardiogram revealed a drop in ST elevation. Acute pericarditis can be associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy, either as a cause or an effect.