Massive Pulmonary Embolism Related to a Patient With Heart Failure Secondary to Stress Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report

TL;DR

This case report describes a rare connection between a massive pulmonary embolism and heart failure caused by stress cardiomyopathy.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel case linking pulmonary embolism with stress cardiomyopathy and its complications.

Findings

A patient with stress cardiomyopathy developed heart failure and a massive pulmonary embolism.

The case suggests a possible pathophysiological link between stress cardiomyopathy and thromboembolic events.

Stress cardiomyopathy may be associated with severe complications like pulmonary embolism.

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common disease, which includes deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It is the third most common cardiovascular disorder, affecting predominantly the male elderly population. Stress cardiomyopathy (SC) is a transitorily cardiovascular condition produced after an emotional or physical trigger, and it features signs and symptoms of acute coronary syndrome. Its pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear, and SC has also been related to critical complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, left ventricular outflow obstruction, and thromboembolic events. This case report highlights the association of PE and SC that might play a pathophysiological role.

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