Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in elderly female trauma patients: a case series

Abstract

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a syndrome characterized by acute left ventricular wall motion abnormalities leading to left ventricular systolic dysfunction. It remains an important differential diagnosis for acute coronary syndrome. Case presentations: Here we describe three cases of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy occurring in three Caucasian female trauma patients (aged 79, 81, and 82 years old) and the impact on their clinical course. Conclusions: For patients requiring surgical management, delays in the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may lead to postponement of urgent operative management. This delay in surgery likely impacts on length of hospital stay, leading to an increasing morbidity and mortality.