Takotsubo Syndrome Resulting from Traumatic Multiple Rib Fractures

Abstract

Takotsubo syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a transient cardiac syndrome that mimics acutecoronary syndrome. This condition should be suspected if the patient presents with chest pain after intense emotional stress, accompanied by an abnormal electrocardiogram, elevated levels of myocardial enzymes, and left ventricular apical akinesia on echocardiography. Coronary angiography should be performed for prompt differentiation from ischemic heart disease. A 77-year-old female presented with traumatic multiple fractures of the left sixth and seventh ribs resulting from a violent strike. Clinical findings of physical examination, laboratory tests, electrocardiogram, and coronary angiography provided the diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome. We performed conservative management including pain control, and the patient was uneventfully discharged seven days after admission.

Keywords

• takotsubo cardiomyopathy
• trauma
• rib fractures