The Takotsubo Syndrome: Clinical Diagnosis Using POCUS

Abstract

Takotsubo syndrome is a cardiomyopathy that can mimic an acute heart attack, in terms of clinical presentation, electrocardiographic changes, and findings on echocardiogram. Point-of-care-ultrasound (POCUS) can be used to detect this condition, even though the definitive diagnosis is made angiographically. We present the case of an 84-year-old woman with a subacute coronary syndrome and high levels of myocardial ischemia markers. The POCUS performed on admission showed characteristic left ventricular dysfunction involving the apex but sparing the base. The coronary angiography ruled out significant arteriosclerotic in the coronary arteries. The wall motion abnormalities were partially corrected in the 48 hours after admission. POCUS might be a useful tool to establish an early diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome at time of admission.