Ventricular Septal Perforation: A Rare but Life-Threatening Complication Associated with Takotsubo Syndrome

Intern Med. 2018 Jun 1;57(11):1605-1609. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.0014-17. Epub 2018 Feb 9.

Abstract

A 71-year-old woman was admitted with dyspnea. An electrocardiogram revealed ST-segment elevation, and echocardiography showed akinesis in the left ventricular apex with hyperkinesis of the base. Coronary angiography revealed no stenosis, and left ventriculography indicated ballooning of the left ventricular apex and apical ventricular septal perforation. We diagnosed the patient with Takotsubo syndrome complicated by ventricular septal perforation, which was surgically repaired. Although ventricular septal perforation is recognized as a life-threatening complication after acute myocardial infarction, it can also occur after Takotsubo syndrome. The early recognition and management of this condition can help prevent morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Takotsubo syndrome; cardiac magnetic resonance; heart failure; patch closure; ventricular septal perforation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / complications*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / diagnosis
  • Ventricular Septal Rupture / diagnosis
  • Ventricular Septal Rupture / etiology*