Sudden Cardiac Death in A Young Male with Takotsubo-Syndrom (Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy): A Histopathologic Case Report with Psychocardiological Implications of A Peracute Heart Failure
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background: Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo syndrome, TTS) is increasingly recognized as a potential cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the absence of longer structural heart disease. Histopathologic diagnosis remains challenging due to subtle histopathological findings and lack of specific markers. Case Report: A 32-year-old physically fit male without prior medical history collapsed shortly after lovesicknessfor months. After an acute emotional stressor sudden arrhythmia and cardiac arrest resulted. Advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation was unsuccessful, and death occurred within approximately one hour. Autopsy revealed no coronary artery disease or other structural cardiac abnormalities. Histological examination demonstrated multifocal contraction band necrosis and interstitial edema with minimal inflammatory response. Toxicological and virological analyses were negative. Conclusion: The findings are consistent with catecholamine-mediated myocardial injury compatible with TTS. This case highlights the importance of considering stress-induced cardiomyopathy in forensic investigations of sudden unexplained death, particularly in individuals with psychocardiological vulnerability.
Authors: Stoemmer P, Meyer A, Stoemmer G, Erhardt C, Eschmann R
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7167627959