A Case Report of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in Pregnancy

Background Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) occurs rarely in pregnancy. It leads to left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning. It may occur in women of childbearing age in the antepartum, intrapartum or postpartum period. With medical management there is resolution of cardiac dysfunction within weeks. Case presentation A 26-year-old female in her second pregnancy presented at 38 weeks of gestation in early labor. She had a history of cesarean section 6 years ago and underwent cesarean section with bilateral tubal ligation. Postoperatively she developed palpitations with fluctuating heart rate and workup showed a stress induced cardiomyopathy. She had full recovery of cardiac function by 6 weeks postpartum after medical management. Conclusion Antenatal women who present with cardiac symptoms should be evaluated for TCM cardiomyopathy after myocardial infarction has been ruled out. It is managed with a multidisciplinary approach. Cardiac dysfunction generally recovers within 4 weeks although some patients may need long term management of cardiac failure