Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Mimicking Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease Following Spinal Surgery

TL;DR

A 62-year-old woman developed takotsubo cardiomyopathy after spinal surgery, mimicking heart disease, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis.

Contribution

This case report adds to the understanding of takotsubo cardiomyopathy's presentation following surgical stress.

Findings

The patient exhibited symptoms of multivessel coronary artery disease, but angiography showed normal arteries.

The case emphasizes the importance of recognizing takotsubo cardiomyopathy after surgery.

Individualized diagnostic approaches are needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), also known as "broken-heart syndrome," is a reversible form of left ventricular dysfunction predominantly affecting post-menopausal women. This case report describes a 62-year-old female who presented with dyspnea and chest pain six weeks after left transforaminal lumbar decompression and fusion surgery. Despite clinical findings suggestive of multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD), angiography revealed normal coronary arteries, confirming TC and stress-induced myocardial infarction. The patient's clinical course highlights the importance of recognizing TC's diverse clinical presentations, especially following surgical interventions, and underscores the need for individualized diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies. The case emphasizes the role of ongoing monitoring and research to understand TC's pathophysiology and optimize therapeutic management.

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