Ascending aortic aneurysm repair in the setting of Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is characterized by acute but transient ventricular dysfunction without obstructive coronary artery disease, generally precipitated by emotional and physical triggers. We describe this syndrome in a 76-year-old woman who was admitted with thoracic pain secondary to TC as shown by echocardiographic assessment, with a concurrent diagnosis of giant ascending aortic aneurism. Surgical intervention was delayed to allow ventricular recovery and then to perform ascending aorta replacement. An individualized perioperative approach was applied to avoid a possible TC recurrence with an uneventful postoperative course.

Automated summary

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is characterized by acute but transient ventricular dysfunction without obstructive coronary artery disease, typically triggered by emotional and physical stress. This case report describes a 76-year-old woman with TC causing chest pain and a concurrent giant ascending aortic aneurysm, with delayed surgical intervention for ventricular recovery followed by ascending aorta replacement. Individualized perioperative management was implemented to prevent TC recurrence, resulting in an uneventful postoperative course.