Transient stress cardiomyopathies in the elderly: Clinical & Pathophysiologic considerations

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy precipitated by negative pressure pulmonary oedema following total thyroidectomy

'Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM)' or 'stress cardiomyopathy' is a reversible cardiomyopathy that is precipitated by intense emotional or physical stress. This syndrome is characterised by symptoms mimicking acute coronary syndrome with transient systolic dysfunction associated with regional wall motion abnormalities, which extend beyond a single coronary vascular bed in the absence of obstructive coronary vascular disease. The presentation of TCM and myocardial infarction is similar with sudden onset of chest pain, breathlessness as well as abnormalities in both the electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes. It is difficult to differentiate between the two until cardiac catheterisation establishes the diagnosis. We report a case of TCM in a post-menopausal female, precipitated by negative pressure pulmonary oedema following total thyroidectomy in whom timely cardiac catheterisation established the diagnosis and influenced the management. Heightened awareness of this unique cardiomyopathy is essential to have a high index of suspicion in at-risk population for the prompt diagnosis of stress-related cardiomyopathy syndromes occurring in the perioperative period.

[Atypical MRI image of Tako-Tsubo syndrome: a case report]

Since the 1990s, a new entity cardiomyopathy is described: the Tako-Tsubo syndrome. The Mayo Clinics' criteria have been defined by to help diagnose: LV dysfunction, electrical modifications, and complete recovery. It is a Caucasian woman aged 66 hospitalized for chest pain syndrome occurred during the funeral. In support, we note the presence of STEMI. The patient received the conventional treatment of acute coronary syndrome. Cardiac ultrasound, angiography is in favor of Tako-Tsubo syndrome. MRI shows an unusual location: a delayed enhancement in epicardial associated pericardial effusion mimicking myopericarditis.

Early repolarization, acute emotional stress and sudden death

We herein report the case of a 36-year-old man who died suddenly after a fight with another man. Forensic investigations included unenhanced computed tomography, postmortem angiography, autopsy, histology, neuropathology, toxicology, and biochemistry and allowed a traumatic cause of death to be excluded. An electrocardiogram recorded some years prior to death revealed the presence of an early repolarization pattern. Based on the results of all investigations, the cause of death was determined to be cardiac arrhythmia and cardiac arrest during an emotionally stressful event associated with physical assault. Direct third party involvement, however, was excluded, and the manner of death was listed as natural. The case was not pursued any further by the public prosecutor.