Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a well-known complication of many conditions associated with emotional or physical stress. Abnormal catecholamine release has been hypothesized to be the main cause of TCM. Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with release of large amounts of catecholamines. We present here two cases in which patients simultaneously suffered from acute MI and TCM. In these elderly women without prior history of severe somatic diseases we have not revealed any external stressing factor responsible for the initiation of the disease. Therefore, we have considered primary coronary event (acute MI) to be a triggering factor of TCM manifestation.
Keywords: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy; catecholamines; left ventricular apical ballooning; myocardial infarction.