Sepsis-associated takotsubo cardiomyopathy can be reversed with levosimendan

Am J Emerg Med. 2012 Jun;30(5):832.e5-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2011.02.030. Epub 2011 Apr 29.

Abstract

Sepsis is a stressful physical condition, and at the acute phase, overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system may occur; these events have the potential to induce cardiomyopathy. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a form of catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy, which occurs very rarely in sepsis. However, TTC management in critically ill patients with sepsis may be challenging because the use of exogenous catecholamines for circulatory support might augment further TTC. Herein, we report a rare case of TTC after urosepsis; and we point out that cardiac function may improve after catecholamine withdrawal and the application of calcium channel sensitizer levosimendan.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Echocardiography
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Hemodynamics / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydrazones / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pyridazines / therapeutic use*
  • Sepsis / complications*
  • Simendan
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / diagnostic imaging
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / drug therapy
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / etiology*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / physiopathology

Substances

  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Hydrazones
  • Pyridazines
  • Simendan