An uncommon presentation of a rare disease - high-degree AV block with takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a type of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in which there is sudden temporary left ventricular dysfunction. High-degree AV block and takotsubo cardiomyopathy have been reported together rarely in medical literature. Here we discuss a case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy presenting with complete heart block. A 72-year-old female presented with retrosternal chest pain. Electrocardiogram showed complete heart block without any significant ST-T changes. Echocardiogram revealed regional wall motion abnormality not consistent with coronary artery disease and was suggestive of apical ballooning. Coronary angiogram showed no significant coronary artery lesion. LV angiogram showed apical ballooning and LV systolic dysfunction. Patient underwent temporary pacemaker implantation. Since the complete heart block did not revert even after 18 days, she underwent a permanent pacemaker implantation.