Takotsubo syndrome and impending thyroid storm: A case report and brief review of the literature

Abstract

Stress cardiomyopathy also called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle with electrocardiographic changes and an increase in troponin levels imitating myocardial infarction, but in the absence of angiographic evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Although the exact causal process has not been determined, it has been mentioned in connection with thyroid diseases. We describe a woman's case that experienced severe chest pain along with electrical and analytical abnormalities. Significant ventricular dysfunction was present, and the invasive coronary angiography revealed no lesions, which was compatible with stress cardiomyopathy. Impending thyroid storm due to Graves’ disease was observed as a trigger and it is imperative to identify and treat any clinical variables that could put patients at risk for Takotsubo syndrome or have an impact on the course of their treatment.

Keywords

• hyperthiroidism
• cardiomiopathy
• takotsubo syndrome
• graves’ disease
• thyroid diseases