Takotsubo cardiomyopathy following a simple partial seizure

Abstract

A 67-year-old woman presented to the emergency department for a simple partial seizure of her left upper and lower limbs that lasted for 1 hour and ultimately resolved before her presentation. She had no history of coronary artery disease, and her neurological exam was normal. Five hours later, she complained of chest pain. An electrocardiogram showed ST segment elevation in the lateral leads, and her troponin level was increased. She was diagnosed with takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This case reflects the brain-heart connection and is the first reported case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy following a simple partial seizure.

Keywords:

• Echocardiography
• epilepsy
• neurogenic stunned myocardium
• takotsubo cardiomyopathy
• ultrasound

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

Video 1. Transthoracic echocardiography apical four-chamber view on presentation showing apical ballooning with akinesis and hyperkinetic basal segments.

Video 2. Coronary angiography showing no significant abnormalities.

Video 3. Transthoracic echocardiography apical four-chamber view 72 hours after presentation showing a significant decrease in the apical ballooning.