Abstract
Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, also known as “ampulla cardiomyopathy (Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy)” can be caused by various conditions. A 42-year-old female presented with severe carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Her carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) level on admission was high (25.2%), and the levels of such cardiac markers as CK-MB and Troponin I, were also elevated. However, the ECG findings were normal. She was admitted to the intensive care unit, and was immediately treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Her oxygenation worsened 3 days after admission, and she developed lung edema with acute heart failure. Severe hypokinesis of the left ventricular apex and apical ballooning were observed in the left ventricle without any coronary stenosis. She was diagnosed to have ampulla cardiomyopathy (Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy). Intensive care and continuous cardiac monitoring are needed after severe carbon-monoxide poisoning.
