Stress-induced Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Critical Diagnostic Challenge

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), also known as “broken heart syndrome” or “stress cardiomyopathy”, is characterised by transient cardiac dysfunction with left ventricular apical ballooning triggered by physiological or physical stress. We present a case of traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced TC, which highlights the importance of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) as real-time diagnostic tools for identifying TC in TBI patients. These tools are pivotal in the early detection of TC and in guiding interventions for the management of this condition in trauma patients.