[A case of undiagnosed "takotsubo" cardiomyopathy during anesthesia]

Abstract

"Takotsubo" cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction. We have reported a case of "Takotsubo" cardiomyopathy unrecognized during anesthesia because of no ischemic changes in monitored electrocardiogram (ECG). The patient was an 80-year-old woman undergoing open reduction surgery for fractures of the left tibia and ulna. Anesthesia was maintained with O2, N2O, sevoflurane and fentanyl. Sinus tachycardia was noted throughout anesthesia which was unresponsive to fluid loading and blood transfusion. ECG of limb leads showed no ST-T changes or abnormal Q waves and the blood pressure was stable during anesthesia. Postoperative echocardiography showed extensively decreased left ventricular wall motion with akinesis of the anterior wall and anterior septum from the mid-papillary level to apex. ECG showed negative T waves in V2-V6 without abnormal Q waves or ST changes. The increase in CPK-MB was very little. The abnormal left ventricular wall motion was completely recovered on the third postoperative day. Her perioperative cardiac event was diagnosed as "Takotsubo" cardiomyopathy by reversible ampulla-shaped ventricular dysfunction. She had no symptoms throughout the perioperative period and recovered without any sequela.