Acute Stress Cardiomyopathy Following Treatment of Status Asthmaticus

• DOI: 10.1097/smj.0b013e31818f5bd8
• Publication Date: 2011-04-06T22:31:57Z
• Authors: Ikenna Osuorji; Christina Williams; Joanne Hessney; Tejan Patel; David Hsi
• Keywords: Dobutamine

Broken heart syndrome, otherwise known as takotsubo is stress-induced cardiomyopathy. Clinical presentation mimics acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, but with characteristic left ventricular apical ballooning. The mechanism linked to overstimulation of the sympathetic system from high circulating catecholamine levels. We report a 46-year-old Caucasian female whose treatment status asthmaticus ketamine and epinephrine precipitated this syndrome. She required hemodynamic support an intra-aortic balloon pump dobutamine infusion. Myocardial function improved dramatically supportive treatment. Iatrogenically induced syndrome vasoactive agents should be suspected in dysfunction without coronary artery disease.