Takotsubo Syndrome in an Adolescent Undergoing Oncological Treatment: A Rare Case Report

Introduction

Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS), or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, was first described in Japan in 1990 and is characterized by transient and acute dysfunction of the left ventricle, usually with hypokinesia or akinesia of the mid-apical LV segments and hyperkinesia of the basal segments. The resulting morphology, with apical ballooning, resembles an octopus trap (“tako-tsubo”). Despite its symptoms being similar to those of acute coronary syndrome, there is no coronary obstruction, and the ventricular wall motion abnormality usually extends beyond the territory of a single artery.^,

Several factors can precipitate TTS, particularly physical triggers (such as severe infections and surgical interventions) and emotional stress. In oncology patients, the incidence is higher, attributed to treatment-related toxicity, subsequent infectious complications, and physical and psychological overload.^, The literature indicates that oncology patients present higher mortality and more combined major adverse cardiac events when they develop TTS, especially compared to those without a history of cancer.

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