A case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy mimicking an acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: A 71-year-old woman presented with severe chest pain after an episode of acute emotional distress. Her serum levels of cardiac enzymes were slightly elevated and electrocardiography revealed anterior ST-segment elevations. Significant coronary stenoses were excluded. A left ventriculogram revealed apical ballooning and a hypercontractile basal segment. INVESTIGATIONS: Serum cardiac enzyme measurements, echocardiography, coronary angiography and left ventriculography. DIAGNOSIS: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. MANAGEMENT: Treatment with beta-blockers, aspirin, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, and intravenous diuretics.