Key result
Abrupt beta-blocker withdrawal linked to takotsubo cardiomyopathy in two patients.
Why the study?
Immediate discontinuation of long-acting vasodilator beta-blockers such as carvedilol has not yet been described to cause takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Does abrupt withdrawal of beta-blockers trigger takotsubo cardiomyopathy?
Case Report (n=2)
Does abrupt withdrawal of beta-blockers trigger takotsubo cardiomyopathy?
Abrupt withdrawal of beta-blockers such as carvedilol and bisoprolol can trigger takotsubo cardiomyopathy, emphasizing the need for cautious tapering.
May warrant gradual beta-blocker tapering; leaves open causality in this novel observation.
The authors describe two cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy developing after an abrupt withdrawal of carvedilol and bisoprolol. Takotsubo or stress cardiomyopathy is characterized by acute and reversible cardiac dysfunction without coronary artery disease. It is triggered by acute emotional or physical stress, drugs or drug withdrawal. The immediate discontinuation of the long acting vasodilator beta-blocker, carvedilol has not yet been described to cause takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The authors recommend cautious withdrawal of beta-blockers.
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Tomcsányi et al. (2013) conducted a case report in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (n=2). Abrupt withdrawal of carvedilol and bisoprolol was evaluated on Development of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Abrupt withdrawal of beta-blockers (carvedilol and bisoprolol) was associated with the development of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in two patients.
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