Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome, is a temporary weakening of the left ventricle commonly triggered by emotional or physical stress. This case study presents a 77-year-old female who developed chest pain and shortness of breath following severe emotional distress after the passing of her husband. Initial clinical findings suggested acute coronary syndrome because of electrocardiogram abnormalities and mildly elevated troponin levels. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated moderately reduced left ventricular systolic function with an estimated ejection fraction of 30% to 35%, severe hypokinesis of the mid and apical segments, and preserved basal contraction producing the characteristic apical ballooning appearance associated with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The wall motion abnormalities extended beyond a single coronary artery distribution, supporting stress-induced cardiomyopathy rather than ischemic infarction. The patient was treated with supportive medical therapy, and follow-up echocardiography demonstrated improvement in systolic function and resolution of wall motion abnormalities. This case highlights the important role of echocardiography in differentiating Takotsubo cardiomyopathy from myocardial infarction and guiding appropriate patient management.

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