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May 31, 2026CureusOpen Access

Severe Arrhythmia Complicating Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Revealing an Underlying Pheochromocytoma: A Case Report

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Why the study?

The association between pheochromocytoma and Takotsubo syndrome is uncommon and frequently linked to severe clinical presentations.

Population

A 52-year-old woman with poorly controlled hypertension presenting with chest pain, dyspnea, and palpitations

Design

Case report

Key result

Surgical resection of a pheochromocytoma following alpha-adrenergic blockade in a patient with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and severe arrhythmias resulted in complete recovery of left ventricular function.

Authors

MTMeriem TabatZJZineb El JaouhariADAbdnacer Drighil

Discussion

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Member takes

Overview

Supports targeted pheochromocytoma evaluation in arrhythmogenic Takotsubo; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.

Key Points

  • This case aims to illustrate the association between pheochromocytoma and Takotsubo syndrome, particularly when severe arrhythmias occur.
  • Reported case of a 52-year-old woman with Takotsubo syndrome and pheochromocytoma
  • Electrocardiography and imaging confirmed Takotsubo diagnosis; lab tests indicated catecholamine excess
  • Surgical resection was performed after medical stabilization with phenoxybenzamine.
  • Electrical cardioversion was required for atrial fibrillation; hemodynamics stabilized post-surgery
  • Ejection fraction improved from 45% to 58% after pheochromocytoma removal
  • Plasma and urinary metanephrines normalized, reflecting successful treatment.

Study Design

Type

Case Report (n=1)

Multicenter

No

Structured PICO

P
Population
A 52-year-old woman with poorly controlled hypertension presenting with chest pain, dyspnea, and palpitations, subsequently diagnosed with Takotsubo syndrome and an underlying pheochromocytoma.
I
Intervention
Surgical resection of the pheochromocytoma (preceded by phenoxybenzamine titration).
O
Outcome
Recovery of left ventricular systolic function and normalization of blood pressure and metanephrines.

This case highlights the importance of considering pheochromocytoma in patients with Takotsubo syndrome complicated by severe arrhythmias or labile hypertension, as early diagnosis and tumor resection lead to complete recovery.

Cite This Study

Tabat et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and Pheochromocytoma (n=1). Alpha-adrenergic blockade and surgical resection was evaluated on Left ventricular ejection fraction recovery and biochemical remission. Surgical resection of a pheochromocytoma following alpha-adrenergic blockade in a patient with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and severe arrhythmias resulted in complete recovery of left ventricular function.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a1bd4ed5783ba022b6fe38dhttps://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.109885
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