Takotsubo-like severe left ventricular dysfunction after cesarean delivery in a 28-year old woman

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy typically affects post-menopausal women who experience severe psychological or physical stress. It can also develop after medical procedures or surgery. Although the underlying mechanism has not been clearly elucidated, catecholamine overload is one of the most plausible etiologies. Herein we report a case of takotsubo-like left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in a 28-year old woman who underwent Cesarean delivery. She presented with acute heart failure and pulmonary edema immediately after the delivery. Her echocardiography showed severe LV dysfunction and apical ballooning. This case is clinically and pathophysiologically similar to peripartum cardiomyopathy