2022 Volume 71 Issue 2 Pages 307-312
The electrocardiographic findings at the acute phase of takotsubo syndrome are similar to those of acute coronary syndrome. Therefore, coronary angiography is required to differentiate between the two. We experienced treating a patient with takotsubo syndrome diagnosed on the basis of coronary angiography findings. The patient showed mildly elevated levels of myocardial enzymes and troponin T in serum. The transthoracic echocardiography findings were hypokinesis at the apex wall, hypercontraction at the base of the heart, and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, which are typical patterns at the acute phase. Furthermore, when we examined the temporal characteristics of the electrocardiographic findings, the wide range of ST elevation at chest leads without the mirror image in the early stages and the negative T wave changes during ST recovery were the common features, and temporal changes in the electrocardiographic findings in takotsubo cardiomyopathy were observed. When coronary angiography cannot be performed, the time-course observation of changes in the electrocardiographic findings as well as biochemical test results and transthoracic echocardiography were useful for the diagnosis of takotsubo syndrome.
