Focal Takotsubo Syndrome Mimicking a Distal Coronary Pathology: A Case Report
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a transient stress-induced cardiomyopathy. It typically occurs following emotional or physical stressors. Many variants are described, the most common being the apical ballooning; however, atypical variants such as focal TTS are rare and can mimic acute coronary syndromes. We report the case of a 49-year-old woman presenting with chest pain and marked troponin elevation who underwent coronary angiography with left ventriculography demonstrating non-obstructive coronary arteries, inferior apical hypokinesis, and a subtle distal left anterior descending artery abnormality. Serial troponin testing confirmed a peak high-sensitivity troponin of 1,967 ng/L. In the context of emotional stress, absence of obstructive coronary disease, and atypical angiographic features inconsistent with plaque rupture or spontaneous coronary artery dissection, a diagnosis of focal TTS was considered most consistent. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges in identifying focal variants of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Source: Cureus
Authors: Mohammed N Taha, Abdullah S Kadhim
Institution: Baptist Health Foundation
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7162941890