The importance of systematic point-of-care ultrasound for chest pain with ST-segment elevation: A case report of takotsubo cardiomyopathy precipitated by spontaneous pneumothorax

Introduction: Patients with chest pain and concomitant ST-segment elevation on an electrocardiogram should be identified as having suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, various etiologies cause ST-segment elevation other than ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, such as takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Case presentation: Here we report the case of a 77-year-old man who requested transport by helicopter emergency medical service for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction but was consequently diagnosed with takotsubo cardiomyopathy due to spontaneous pneumothorax. En route, findings of electrocardiogram as well as focused cardiac point-of-care ultrasound could not distinguish takotsubo cardiomyopathy from ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, but a subsequent point-of-care ultrasound could reveal occult pneumothorax, which ultimately revealed to be the culprit stress factor of takotsubo cardiomyopathy causing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction–alike presentation. After treatment with a closed thoracostomy, he recovered from the takotsubo cardiomyopathy and pneumothorax and was discharged without any complications. Discussion and conclusion: We should consider takotsubo cardiomyopathy a disease with ST-segment elevation and spontaneous pneumothorax as one of its precipitating stressors. To clarify the diagnosis, point-of-care ultrasound using a systematic rather than region-of-interest approach may be a useful method in the emergency department.