Infection-related stress phenomenon induced takotsubo cardiomyopathy mimicking ST elevation myocardial infarction

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a recognized cardiac syndrome that mimics acute coronary syndrome, without occlusion of the coronary artery. This syndrome is usually triggered by emotional or physical stress. Acute infection as a trigger condition is rarely reported. We report a case of an elderly woman who experienced chest pains with ST-segment elevation on electrocardiography, and who was later confirmed to have this cardiac syndrome by cardiac catheterization in coexistence with shock status related to suspected acute infection. Copyright (C) 2014, Asia Pacific League of Clinical Gerontology & Geriatrics. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.