Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after microwave ablation for metastatic liver lesions

Abstract Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCMP) is characterized by transient and reversible left ventricular regional wall motion abnormalities triggered by acute and intense emotional or physical stress. We present a case of a 79 year old woman with a hypertensive crisis after microwave ablation (MWA) for metastatic liver lesions. Initial evaluation suggested an acute coronary syndrome with an ST segment elevation and with elevated serum troponin T. No associated chest pain or dyspnea was present. Further evaluation with ECG, echocardiography, coronarography with left ventricle angiogram and MRI was consistent with an apical ballooning syndrome. She was managed medically and the abnormalities resolved in the next 8 weeks during her follow up. The association between MWA and TCMP has been only reported once in the literature. We would like to emphasize one of the risks of MWA in or near the thoracic region potentially leading to TCMP.