Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a 55-year-old female with atypical chest pain and a history of autoimmune disease

Authors

• Carrie Greene, Kansas City UniversityFollow
• dana mathew, Burrell Osteopathic College of MedicineFollow

ORCiD

0009-0008-1844-3439

Document Type

Case Report

Abstract

A 55-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis and supraventricular tachycardia presented with acute chest pain radiating to the back/left shoulder, with nausea and lightheadedness. Initial ECG showed inferior–lateral ST-segment elevation with reciprocal depressions; within 90 minutes the STE resolved with new incomplete RBBB and diffuse low voltage. High-sensitivity troponin rose (delta ~270 ng/L). Point-of-care and formal echocardiography revealed LV wall-motion abnormalities. Emergent catheterization showed no obstructive CAD (<30% distal OM) with apical ballooning and EF 40–45%, consistent with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy; cardiac MRI confirmed myocardial edema. She was managed with anticoagulation initially, telemetry, and supportive care, and recovered uneventfully with normalization of function on follow-up.

ED Takeaways

• TTC can mimic STEMI with transient STE and conduction changes.

• Troponin rise + non-obstructive coronaries should prompt consideration of TTC.

• Consider TTC in post-menopausal women and those with autoimmune disease; use POCUS early and involve cardiology.

Recommended Citation

Greene, Carrie and mathew, dana (2025) "Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a 55-year-old female with atypical chest pain and a history of autoimmune disease," Florida Journal of Emergency Medicine (FJEM): Vol. 1.
Available at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/fjem/vol1/iss1/5