Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy after successful resuscitation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

A 69-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were admitted to our hospital after successful resuscitation of out-of hospital cardiac arrest. In the first case, electrocardiogram showed mild ST-segment elevation in leads V3-V5. Coronary angiography did not show any obstructive coronary artery disease, and left ventriculography showed apical ballooning of the left ventricular chamber. She was diagnosed as having the classic form of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. In the second case, electrocardiogram did not show ST-segment elevation in any lead. Coronary angiography showed no coronary artery disease and left ventriculography showed basal ballooning of the left ventricular chamber. He was diagnosed as having the variant form of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. In both cases, left ventricular function returned to normal, but they died of multiple organ failure. In conclusion, cardiologists should recognize that takotsubo cardiomyopathy can occur even after successful resuscitation of cardiac arrest. Early diagnosis and appropriate intensive care are essential in these critically ill patients.