Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy in a patient with bilateral lesions in the dorsal medulla.
Tako-tsubo-like cardiomyopathy (TTC) is much more common than originally thought. The exact pathophysiology of TTC is unclear. The most accepted theory proposes myocardial stunning of neurogenic origin, supported by the frequent antecedent of emotional or physical stress, suggesting a catecholamine-mediated mechanism. We present a patient with this syndrome and bilateral damage of the dorsal medulla oblongata likely affecting both solitary tract nuclei. Our case points to a link between baroreflex failure and TTC, highlighting the important role of sympathetic discharge in the pathophysiology of TTC.
Department of Neurology, Hospital Cruces, Plaza de Cruces s/n, Baracaldo, Vizcaya, Spain. koldo.berganzocorrales@osakidetza.net
Koldo
K
Berganzo
Roberto
R
Ciordia
Juan C
JC
Gómez-Esteban
Beatriz
B
Tijero
Marta
M
Agundez
Fernando
F
Velasco
Maria A
MA
Valle
Juan J
JJ
Zarranz
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D004244:Dizziness / Q000209:etiology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology; D007590:Jogging / Q000502:physiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000473:pathology*; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017682:Myocardial Stunning; D011019:Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology; D054549:Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone