Combined exogenous and endogenous catecholamine release associated with Tako-Tsubo like syndrome in a patient with atrio-ventricular block undergoing pace-maker implantation

Abstract

We report the case of a 65-year-old woman with complete atrio-ventricular block who underwent orciprenaline administration and pacemaker implantation. The intervention was complicated by pneumothorax and acute left ventricular systolic dysfunction with typical apical ballooning (Tako-Tsubo like syndrome). The patient was treated with diuretics and calcium-sensitizers and completely recovered. We speculate that both external and internal catecholamine triggered an acute left ventricular impairment with typical Tako-Tsubo features. © 2011 Informa UK, Ltd.