Takotsubo cardiomyopathy mimicking an acute myocardial infarction

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by a transient left ventricular dysfunction. The resulting acute symptoms including electrocardiographic changes and elevated myocardial biomarkers often mimic an acute myocardial infarction. However, obstructive coronary artery disease can be excluded by angiography. There is only little information available in the literature. The precise pathophysiology is still unknown. Case Report: The case of a 56-year-old woman with typical manifestation of a highly symptomatic Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is described. The diagnosis was suspected by angiographic absence of obstructive coronary disease. During the following days, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was confirmed by cardio-MRI and echocardiography. The patient was treated with drugs. 12 days after admission, cardiac function was completely restored. The patient was discharged without showing any symptoms. Conclusion: Although takotsubo cardiomyopathy is rather rare, it should be considered as a relevant differential diagnosis mimicking acute myocardial infarction. Despite a generally good prognosis under conservative treatment, complications are reported in 17.7% of all cases in the literature. Therefore, intensive treatment and monitoring are mandatory.