Sympathoadrenergic overstimulation in Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy triggered by physical and emotional stress

Int J Cardiol. 2008 Nov 12;130(2):266-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.05.119. Epub 2007 Aug 17.

Abstract

Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) which is usually precipitated by profound emotional stress has been widely reported in the past. Recently, several co-morbidities have been found to be associated with this new cardiac entity. In this case we report from a female patient suffering from both, physical and emotional stress. After a persistent episode of severe abdominal pain due to acute cholecystitis and recurrent events of emotional stress, characteristic features of TTC could be documented. Histopathological analysis documented characteristic structural alterations including contraction band necrosis. Thus, this case confirms the hypothesis of an overstimulated sympthatoadrenergic system in TTC resulting from both, severe physical and emotional stress.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Stress, Physiological* / physiology
  • Stress, Psychological / complications
  • Stress, Psychological / diagnosis*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Sympathetic Nervous System* / physiology
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / diagnosis*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / etiology
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / psychology