Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (Tako-Tsubo) in a premenopausal woman: A case report from Saudi Arabia

Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a nonischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by reversible left ventricular dysfunction that is seen predominantly in postmenopausal women (> 80%). The syndrome has symptoms that are similar to acute myocardial infarction, such as electrocardiogram changes (ST-segment elevation and subsequent giant T wave inversion) and abnormal cardiac enzymes. The clinical prognosis is usually benign. This article reports a first case of a TTC in premenopausal Saudi woman. Early diagnosis of TTC excludes the use of stents, thrombolytics, and long-term coronary heart disease medications. (C) 2010 King Saud University. All rights reserved.