Two unusual cases of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy presenting with sudden cardiac death

• Published in: The American journal of the medical sciences Vol. 337; no. 6; p. 473
• Main Authors: Mathew, Boban, Villarreal, Daniel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-06-2009
• Subjects: Aged; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy - mortality
• ISSN: 0002-9629
• DOI: 10.1097/MAJ.0b013e3181956f49

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy also known as transient ballooning syndrome is characterized by reversible left ventricular dysfunction with presentation mimicking myocardial infarction. Even though this syndrome has been recognized for nearly 2 decades, cases with atypical features are still being reported. We describe 2 patients who presented to the hospital after cardiac arrest, which is very rare according to previous reports. Although still considered a benign condition, transient ballooning syndrome could be responsible for some of the undiagnosed sudden cardiac deaths in the community, and it may have a worse prognosis than currently recognized. In addition, 1 of our patients also had a previously unreported triggering factor, namely sexual intercourse.