SEPSIS-TRIGGERED TAKOTSUBO CARDIOMYOPATHTY: A SEVERE CASE RESCUED BY VENO-ATRIAL EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION

Abstract

Introduction: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for sepsis-related shock remains controversial. We report a shock case with sepsis-triggered Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, who was successfully rescued using veno-atrial ECMO. Keywords: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, Shock, Sepsis, Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, cardiogenic shock Case Report: A 76-year-old woman with hypoglycemia and a high fever was diagnosed as sepsis-triggered Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. She subsequently developed severe shock. Veno-atrial ECMO was initiated, then the patient responded quickly and recovered fully. She was later diagnosed as having had cardiogenic shock, based on her clinical course. Conclusion: Although distinguishing cardiogenic from septic shock is difficult, the initiation of veno-atrial ECMO in severe cases of sepsis-triggered Takotsubo cardiomyopathy might be reasonable.