Prompt resolution of an apical left ventricular thrombus in a patient with takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Int J Cardiol. 2007 Apr 4;116(3):e88-91. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2006.08.089. Epub 2006 Nov 27.

Abstract

This report describes the prompt resolution of an apical left ventricular (LV)-thrombus complicating transient apical ballooning in a 74-year-old woman. The patient was admitted to our emergency department with acute chest pain and ST-elevation on the electrocardiogram. Coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries and LV-angiography demonstrated the presence of apical ballooning akinesis associated with basal hypercontraction. Echocardiography and MRI studies confirmed the presence of LV-apex akinesis and detected an apical thrombus. Follow-up echocardiography on day 12 before discharge of the patient, revealed a marked improvement of regional contractility of the LV-apex and surprisingly the complete resolution of the LV-apical thrombus. The patient was diagnosed with takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angina Pectoris / etiology
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Cardiomyopathies / complications
  • Cardiomyopathies / drug therapy*
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Heart Diseases / complications
  • Heart Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Remission Induction
  • Thrombosis / complications
  • Thrombosis / drug therapy*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Cardiovascular Agents