Key result
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy accounts for ~2% of suspected acute STEMI presentations.
Why the study?
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after cardiac surgery is rarely described, and its triggers and clinical course require further elucidation.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights that prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and surgical stress during cardiac surgery can trigger Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which can be successfully managed with ECMO.
Warrants heightened awareness of transient LV dysfunction after cardiac surgery; leaves open prevention and outcome studies in this population.
BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an episode of transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction affecting 2.1% of patients with suspected acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. CASE SUMMARY: A 61-year-old woman underwent elective aortic valve replacement for severe aortic regurgitation. An entry tear at the aortic cannulation site necessitated hemiarch replacement. On postoperative day 3, the patient presented with cardiogenic shock, displaying deteriorating LV function with global hypokinesia. Coronary angiography revealed minimal coronary artery disease, whereas computed tomography revealed LV apical ballooning. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was initiated. Echocardiography and computed tomography showed normalization of LV function and resolution of apical ballooning 2 weeks later, permitting extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning. The patient was discharged in good health 1 month postoperatively. DISCUSSION: Cardiac surgery complicated by TTC is rarely described. This case highlights prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time and surgical stress as potential TTC triggers. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: Clinicians should be mindful of TTC risk after cardiac surgery.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
See et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (n=1). Cardiac surgery was evaluated. Cardiac surgery involving prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and surgical stress triggered Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a 61-year-old woman, requiring temporary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: