Takotsubo syndrome induced by malignant pheochromocytoma in a patient with type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma - a case report

Abstract

The clinical presentation of the Takotsubo syndrome mimics an acute coronary syndrome with chest pain, ischemia-like ECG changes, mild to moderate myocardial enzyme elevation, and apical ballooning on echocardiography and ventriculography. On coronary angiography, epicardial coronary arteries are either normal or exhibit minimal atherosclerotic changes. Primary Takotsubo syndrome usually occurs in postmenopausal women in whom symptoms are triggered by emotional or physical stress, associated with catecholamine surges. Secondary Takotsubo syndrome may have multiple causes, including an increased catecholamine release due to pheochromocytoma. We present the case of a 56-years-old woman with confirmed Takotsubo syndrome who was later diagnosed with pheochromocytoma and type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma.