# Broken heart after heart attack- post-MI Takotsubo syndrome: a case report

## TL;DR

A 61-year-old man initially diagnosed with a heart attack later developed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, highlighting the need to consider this condition in patients with recent heart issues.

## Contribution

The paper presents a rare case of post-MI Takotsubo syndrome, emphasizing its diagnostic challenges and clinical relevance.

## Key findings

- The patient initially showed signs of STEMI but later exhibited apical ballooning consistent with TCM.
- Repeat angiography showed patent stents, ruling out stent thrombosis as the cause of symptoms.
- The case highlights the importance of considering TCM in patients with recent ACS.

## Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a common differential for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and although its coexistence is considered rare, it may be more common than previously believed. Diagnosing TCM after an AMI is particularly challenging, as initial imaging typically supports AMI. We report the case of a 61-year-old male who presented with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and underwent successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to the left anterior descending artery. Initial echocardiography demonstrated preserved apical function; however, the patient was readmitted with chest pain, diaphoresis, and dyspnea. Suspecting stent thrombosis, repeat coronary angiography confirmed patent stents, but echocardiography revealed severe left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning, consistent with TCM. This case underscores the importance of considering TCM as a possible concomitant or subsequent condition in patients with recent Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).