Early Postoperative Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report, AANA Journal, June 2011

AANA Journal  June 2011  Vol. 79, No. 3 181 Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), also called stressinduced cardiomyopathy, is a rare type of nonischemic cardiomyopathy accompanied by a transient ballooning and akinesis of the left ventricle. It has been reported mainly in the Japanese literature, although awareness is increasing in the United States and Europe. The reason for the increased incidence in postmenopausal women remains unclear, as does why the apex and left ventricular midcavity are commonly affected. The degree of symptom presentation and severity varies widely and is usually accompanied by an unremarkable medical history. The most frequent presentation is left ventricular dysfunction with or without pulmonary edema. Identifying signs and symptoms and its correlation with physical or emotional stress will lead to early diagnosis and intervention. This case report describes a premenopausal woman in whom TC developed in the immediate postoperative period following general anesthesia.