Project description:Pheochromocytoma presents various clinical manifestations and imprecise signs and symptoms. Along with other diseases, it is considered to be 'the great mimic'. This is the case of a 61-year-old man who on arrival presented with extreme chest pain accompanied by palpitations, and with a blood pressure of 91/65 mmHg. An echocardiogram showed an ST-segment elevation in the anterior leads. The cardiac troponin was 1.62 ng/ml, 50 times the upper limit of normal. Bedside, echocardiography revealed global hypokinesia of the left ventricle, with an ejection fraction of 37%. Because ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction-complicated cardiogenic shock was suspected, an emergency coronary angiography was performed. It showed no significant coronary artery stenosis, while left ventriculography demonstrated left ventricular hypokinesia. Sixteen days after admission, the patient suddenly presented with palpitations, headache and hypertension. A contrast-enhanced abdominal CT showed a mass in the left adrenal area. Pheochromocytoma-induced takotsubo cardiomyopathy was suspected.
Project description:BackgroundCardiogenic shock (CS) due to takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a life-threatening condition. Therapy is challenging because of the ambivalent effects of catecholamines. Catecholamines are required to stabilize blood pressure but might aggravate TTC. Cardiac assist devices could be a suitable solution for conserving catecholamines and the prevention of TTC perpetuation.Case summaryWe report the case of a male patient with refractory CS and severe respiratory insufficiency as a result of a reverse TTC, which involved both ventricles. Simultaneous circulatory support with an Impella CP® and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated for cardiopulmonary stabilization and catecholamine weaning. A giant, incidental pheochromocytoma was diagnosed as the cause of TTC. After drug treatment and resection of the tumour, biventricular function completely recovered within 7 weeks.DiscussionA rare and challenging situation is the coincidence of a nor/epinephrine-secreting tumour, such as a pheochromocytoma, and severe CS complicating TTC. Although percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (pLVAD) are highly complicated and have shown conflicting results in terms of clinical efficacy for CS, its use may prevent the perpetuation of TTC due to reduced catecholamines requirement.
Project description:BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a novel, yet well-described, reversible cardiomyopathy triggered by profound psychological or physical stress with a female predominance. OBJECTIVE: This review is designed to increase general clinician awareness about the diagnosis, incidence, pathogenesis, and therapies of this entity. DATA SOURCES: A complete search of multiple electronic databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, Science Citation Index) was carried out to identify all full-text, English-language articles published from 1980 to the present date and relevant to this review. REVIEW METHODS: The following search terms were used: takotsubo cardiomyopathy, stress-induced cardiomyopathy, and left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome. Citation lists from identified articles were subsequently reviewed and pertinent articles were further identified. RESULTS: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is typically characterized by the following: 1) acute onset of ischemic-like chest pain or dyspnea, 2) transient apical and mid-ventricular regional wall-motion abnormality, 3) minor elevation of cardiac biomarkers, 4) dynamic electrocardiographic changes, and 5) the absence of epicardial coronary artery disease. The pathogenesis of the syndrome is unknown but has mostly been associated with acute emotional or physiologic stressors. Dote, Sato, Tateishi, Uchida, Ishihara (J Cardiol. 21(2):203-214, 1991); Desmet, Adriaenssens, Dens (Heart. 89(9):1027-1031, Sep., 2003); Bybee, Kara, Prasad, et al. (Ann Intern Med. 141(11):858-865, Dec 7, 2004); Sharkey, Lesser, Zenovich, et al. (Circulation. 111(4):472-479, Feb 1, 2005) The short and long-term prognosis of these patients is overwhelmingly favorable and often only requires supportive therapy. CONCLUSION: Whether an emotional or physical event precedes one's symptoms, it is apparent that takotsubo cardiomyopathy case presentations mimic ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and thus is an important entity to be recognized by the medical community.
Project description:Takotsubo's syndrome (TS) is an acute, transient cardiomyopathy occurring secondary to physical or emotional stressors through catecholamine excess. Secretory pheochromocytomas have been previously implicated in cases of TS (PTS), however, often present atypically, are associated with reoccurrence, and have higher rates of complications. We describe the case of a 70-year-old female who presented central chest pain, hypotension and electrocardiogram changes on a background of a 6-month prior episode of resolved Takotsubo's with unknown cause. After progressing to cardiogenic shock with biventricular failure, computerized tomography coronary aortogram revealed an incidental adrenal mass, later proven to be a secretory pheochromocytoma on biochemistry and subsequent histology. PTS has been associated with recurrence and rarely presents as cardiogenic shock. This case highlights the complexity of TS presentations and complications and the diagnostic delays that may occur in PTS.
Project description:A healthy 66-year-old female presented to the emergency department with acute chest pain, T-wave inversion in the anterior leads, and elevated troponin-I. Coronary angiography showed a stenosis in the midportion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), which did not wrap the left ventricle (LV) apex. LV angiography demonstrated a large LV apical akinetic systolic ballooning with a 45% ejection fraction. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) of LAD lesion was 0.71. Percutaneous intervention was performed. At six months, transthoracic echocardiography was normal. Fifteen months later, the patient presented with chest pain and a small rise in troponin-I. Coronary angiogram was unchanged. Repeat FFR in distal LAD was 0.86 and left ventriculography was normal. Diagnostic criteria for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) require the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. In the present case, TTC was highly suspected on the basis of typical LV apex ballooning. However, significant ischemia in the same territory was demonstrated by positive FFR, which could not be falsely positive in this context. Current TTC diagnostic criteria increase specificity for diagnosing TTC. This case reminds us that it is at the price of reduced sensitivity, since there is no reason to believe that coronary lesions may protect from TTC.
Project description:Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a condition characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction and apical ballooning, best seen on an echocardiogram or left ventriculogram. It mimics acute myocardial infarction but without evidence of coronary artery disease on an angiogram. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an autosomal dominant heart muscle disease that is significant with hypertrophy of the left ventricle with various morphologies. We hereby report a case of TCM in a male patient with a known history of HCM. The patient's hemodynamic findings were challenging because the TCM produced an increased left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient that was previously not seen on his prior echocardiogram or cardiac catheterizations. Assessment and continuous monitoring are warranted in such a rare case. Supportive care afterward with beta blockers, along with echocardiogram surveillance, are the mainstay of management of such a patient.
Project description:We describe the case of a 65-year-old patient who was admitted to our tertiary centre with cardiac sounding chest pain and inferior ST elevation. Coronary angiography revealed mild plaque disease in the left anterior descending artery. The right coronary artery was smooth with no plaques with the exception of an occluded distal branch with no flow. The left ventriculogram revealed a ballooned and akinetic apex typical of Takotsubo syndrome (TS). We suspected a coronary embolus secondary to TS. A serial rise and fall in biomarkers of myocardial necrosis was noted. The patient was treated for acute coronary syndrome and discharged home 72 h from admission. Distal thromboembolism has been described in the literature before. On a search of PubMed there are no examples of coronary artery embolus in the context of TS.
Project description:Takotsubo syndrome is a rare cause of systolic dysfunction and can be found as a clinical manifestation of pheochromocytoma. We present a case of rapid onset of systolic dysfunction with cardiogenic shock, which developed after the surgical excision of an adrenal gland tumor in a 60-year-old male. Coronary angiography excluded coronary artery disease. The echocardiography and ventriculography images suggested Takotsubo cardiomyopathy pattern. Following 2 weeks of inotropic and vasopressor therapy, the left ventricular function gradually improved, until complete resolution.
Project description:BackgroundTakotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a transient left ventricular dysfunction usually with apical akinesia (classical pattern). Other less frequent variants have been described: the mid-ventricular pattern is characterized by hypokinesia of the mid-left ventricle and hypercontractile apical and basal segments; the inverted or basal pattern is characterized by basal and mid-ventricular segment hypokinesia or akinesia with preserved contractility or hypercontractility of apical segments and finally the focal pattern. There are also biventricular variants and forms with exclusive involvement of the right ventricle. There is a correlation between endocrine disorders and TTS, the one most frequently described is with pheochromocytoma. Catecholamine-mediated myocarditis, focal and diffuse myocardial fibrosis, and myocardial dysfunction are described in pheochromocytoma.Case summaryWe describe a case of a 69-year-old patient with a recent diagnosis of hypertension and Graves' disease, hospitalized for persistent chest pain, hypertensive crisis, tachycardia, dyspnoea, and diaphoresis. Thyroid hormones, antibodies to TSH receptors, and hs-troponin I were increased. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia at 130 b.p.m., first-degree atrioventricular block, signs of left ventricular hypertrophy with inverted T wave in V4-V6. Echocardiogram demonstrated left ventricular apical and para-apical akinesia. Coronary angiography ruled out an obstructive coronary artery disease. Computed tomography angiogram aortic dissection ruled out aortic dissection but incidentally revealed a left adrenal mass compatible with a pheochromocytoma. Plasma and urinary metanephrines were increased. A TTS secondary to pheochromocytoma and hyperthyroidism was diagnosed. Pharmacological treatment included nitrates, urapidil and esmolol IV and methimazole at high doses. Type 2 multiple endocrine neoplasia has been excluded. After a complete haemodynamic stability on 20th day of hospitalization, the patient underwent an adrenalectomy.DiscussionHigh levels of catecholamines in pheochromocytoma can lead to myocardial dysfunction. Similarly, an excess of thyroid hormones with up-regulation of adrenergic system can lead to myocardial dysfunction. These two conditions, if both present, define a high haemodynamic risk profile. How do catecholamines interact with the thyroid gland? The clinical case is of interest as a relationship has been hypothesized between the incretion of plasma catecholamines and Graves' disease. We suppose an imbalance of the immune system with a predominance of the T helper-type 2 (Th2)-mediated response. Predominance of Th2-mediated immune response may induce humoral immunity causing Graves' disease. In addition Th2 cytokines are strong inducers of M2 macrophages (alternatively activated) that are involved in autoimmune diseases, myocarditis, and myocardial fibrosis. Knowing the interaction between the cardiovascular system, immune response, and endocrine glands can help define the patient's risk class, possible complications, and follow-up.