Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in Traumatic Brain Injury

Cheah CF; Kofler M; Schiefecker AJ; Beer R; Klug G; Pfausler B; Helbok R

doi:10.1007/s12028-016-0334-y

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Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in Traumatic Brain Injury

Cheah CF ¹ , Kofler M ¹ , Schiefecker AJ ¹ , Beer R ¹ , Klug G ² , Pfausler B ¹ Show all authors , Helbok R ³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, Neurological Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
² University Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
³ Department of Neurology, Neurological Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria. Raimund.Helbok@tirol-kliniken.at

Neurocrit Care, 2017 04;26(2):284-291.

PMID: 28000134 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-016-0334-y

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a well-known complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and has been rarely described in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS: Case report and review of literature.

RESULTS: Here, we report a 73-year-old woman with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) presenting in cardiogenic shock. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) was diagnosed by repeated echocardiography. Cardiovascular support by inotropic agents led to hemodynamic stabilization after initiation of levosimendan. Cardiac function fully recovered within 21 days. We performed an in-depth literature review and identified 16 reported patients with TBI and TC. Clinical course and characteristics are discussed in the context of our patient.

CONCLUSION: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is under-recognized after TBI and may negatively impact outcome if left untreated.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.