Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: Apical Ballooning on Left Ventriculography After Acute Emotional Stress
A Clinical Case Review of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy, Diagnostic Imaging, and Recovery Executive Answer Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo syndrome or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is an acute, usually reversible form of left ventricular dysfunction that can closely mimic myocardial infarction. The characteristic imaging finding is transient regional wall-motion abnormality extending beyond the territory of a single epicardial coronary artery, commonly involving the left ventricular apex with hyperdynamic basal contraction. In this case, a 63-year-old woman developed severe chest pain after significant emotional stress. Despite ST-segment elevation, coronary angiography demonstrated normal coronary arteries, and left ventriculography revealed apical ballooning. Follow-up echocardiography documented complete functional recovery. Why This Case Matters Acute chest pain accompanied by ST-segment elevation demands immediate evaluation for acute coronary syndrome (AC...