High-degree atrioventricular block. An unusual presentation of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a case report

Egypt Heart J. 2021 Feb 25;73(1):18. doi: 10.1186/s43044-021-00144-x.

Abstract

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by acute left ventricular systolic dysfunction with transient wall motion abnormalities without a culprit coronary stenosis or other concurrent diagnoses. Its coexistence with transient high-degree AV block is very infrequent.

Case presentation: A 61-year-old man presented with a new onset of high degree AV block without ST segment deviations developing an anterior and apical dyskinesia with a low left ventricular ejection fraction in the absence of coronary artery disease.

Conclusion: Atrioventricular block is an uncommon presentation of Takotsubo syndrome. The management of patients with relevant conduction disorders in this scenario is a challenge for the clinician. In case of persistence of advanced conduction disorders, it seems appropriate to implant a pacemaker.

Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome; Atrioventricular block; Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.