“Broken heart” syndrome in an elder abuse case: forensic considerations from the case

“Takotsubo” cardiomyopathy (also known as stress cardiomyopathy or “broken heart syndrome”) is a recently recognised transient condition that frequently mimics acute coronary syndrome. It is typically precipitated by acute emotional stress. Elder abuse is the infliction of physical, emotional or psychological harm on an older adult. As in other forms of abuse, elder abuse is a complex problem, easily prone to misconceptions and, therefore, to under-reporting. Herein, the authors present a case of a 76-year-old Caucasian woman, living in a dysfunctional family environment, who presented to her local Emergency Department with acute chest pain following an altercation with her daughter. Diagnostic criteria for “takotsubo” cardiomyopathy were met, namely, ST-segment elevation and T-wave changes, a mild increase of cardiac enzymes, an akinesia of the mid-portion and apex of the left ventricle and no significant epicardial coronary artery disease. The victim was admitted to the Cardiac Department on the second day and her condition improved over the following week. She was discharged and sent home after the situation was reported to competent authorities and subsequently to medico-legal services, who assessed the situation while still in-hospital. The case implications are discussed, as well as the impact that such cases may have when addressing elder abuse management and prevention, with a view to improving the forensic examination of these patients.