Frequently Recurrent Takotsubo Syndrome in COPD

Abstract EN

Cardiovascular disease is common among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a transient cardiac disorder that, in its typical form, involves left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning and mimics acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

“Bronchogenic TTS” has been proposed as a specific form of TTS (during severe acute dyspnea in asthma or COPD) with atypical presentation.

Recurrent TTS in COPD seems to be exceptionally rare since only a handful of clinical cases have previously been reported in the literature.

Here, we present a unique case of a frequently recurrent TTS during COPD exacerbation in a 70-year-old woman, with at least 4 different episodes of TTS within 5 years.

This case report exemplifies the difficulties of the diagnosis of TTS at the onset of acute COPD exacerbation.

Potential pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies are also briefly discussed.