Full recovery of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (apical ballooning) in two days

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a new clinical entity characterised by acute but rapidly reversible left ventricular systolic dysfunction. This case report demonstrates the unique finding of a complete normalization of left ventricular function in a patient with TTC in only 36 h documented by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. To our best knowledge, this is the most rapid complete recovery of left ventricular apical ballooning reported, yet. Medical management of our patient included optimized antihypertensive therapy with intravenous administration of the alpha-1-adrenergic blocker urapidil and the beta-blocker bisoprolol in highest recommended doses. Although optimal management of TTC has not been established, alpha-and beta-blockade may be beneficial for rapid recovery of TTC and may be protective against the recurrence of stress-related left ventricular dysfunction due to acute and sudden catecholamine excess. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.