A Case of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy Triggered by an Emotional Crisis: Clinical Case Report
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: We report the case of a 55-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department for acute chest pain. A few days to weeks before admission, the patient experienced significant emotional distress due to repeated marital conflicts that led to separation. This intense stress was accompanied by profound sadness and depressive symptoms. She subsequently developed severe chest pain, prompting her to seek medical attention. On arrival, the clinical examination was unremarkable. The electrocardiogram revealed negative T waves in the inferior and low septo-apicolateral territories. Echocardiography showed a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 50% with apical hypokinesia. Coronary angiography demonstrated patent epicardial coronary arteries, while the left ventricle displayed the characteristic appearance of apical ballooning with basal hyperkinesia and mid-apical hypokinesia. After appropriate psychiatric management, the patient’s condition improved, her pain resolved, and complete recovery of left ventricular function was observed.
Institution: Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Aix-Pertuis
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416903816