ABSTRACT
Broken heart syndrome, more commonly known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), is an acute cardiac condition. It is characterized by regional cardiac wall motion abnormalities triggered by physical or emotional stress or administration of catecholamines such as epinephrine. The initial clinical presentation is similar to an acute coronary syndrome and must be ruled out. Visualization of the characteristic wall motion will trigger the diagnosis of TCM. In this case report, we present a 50-year-old woman with additional liposuction and fat grafting after autologous breast reconstruction. Shortly after infiltration with a solution containing epinephrine to achieve vasoconstriction, hypotension and bradycardia was noticed. This escalated into full asystole for which cardiac resuscitation was required. ST-elevations and a decrease in systolic function were clear indicators for urgent coronarography and ventriculography. These confirmed the diagnosis of TCM. Infiltration with epinephrine-containing products to achieve local vasoconstriction is used routinely. Medical professionals should be aware that this can trigger a TCM with an estimated mortality rate of 5%. No evidence of a specific preventive measure currently exists. We know that women with a neurologic or psychiatric comorbidity and high levels of stress are more at risk. Reducing stress and anxiolytic medication prior to surgery could be useful. We also know that the cardiac wall motion abnormality is mainly related to ß-adrenoreceptors. The use of a selective α-adrenoreceptor agonist could be considered. Further research in the pathophysiology and incidence of TCM could improve identification of patients at risk and lead to more effective prevention and treatment.
