A Case of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy after Airway Stenting

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a recently recognized acute cardiac entity. It is characterized by transient left ventricular apical ballooning which is usually preceded by physiological or psychological stress. We report a case of peribronchoscopically occurring Takotsubo cardiomyopathy accompanying severe malig- nant bronchial stenosis. A 58-year-old Japanese woman with colon cancer, complaining of persistent dyspnea due to severe stenosis of both main-stem bronchi caused by mediastinal lymph node metastases was referred to our hospital. Her respiratory condition worsened over two days. Two airway stents were implanted and airway patency was successfully restored. However, her blood pressure and oxygen saturation became unstable immediately after the procedure with notable blood tinged foamy sputum. Echocardiogra- phy and electrocardiographic findings led to the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Cardiac function improved 14 days later by treatment with diuretics and dopamine and she was discharged one month after stent implantation.