A Case of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Triggered by Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hypothermia

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), also recognized as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a transient condition of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, which presents similarly to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) but with normal coronaries. Physical or emotional stressors usually precipitate TC. It is typically a benign condition, with a complete resolution once the triggering cause resolves. There have been a few cases of TC induced by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) that have been reported in the literature. A 50-year-old Caucasian female patient presented with lethargy, in addition to hypothermia and hypotension. Further investigation showed hyperglycemia with metabolic acidosis and ketonemia. Eventually, she was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). On Day 2 of the admission, the patient’s condition further deteriorated despite appropriate treatment of DKA. An electrocardiogram (EKG) showed ST-segment elevation in inferior leads, and troponin levels were elevated. Cardiac catheterization showed non-obstructive coronary arteries but a severely reduced cardiac index. Echocardiography showed an ejection fraction (EF) of 25% with global hypokinetic LV. Eventually, the patient was diagnosed with TC or stress-induced cardiomyopathy. TC should always be suspected in any patient presenting with acute heart failure during DKA treatment. TC is a transient syndrome; however, it can result in dreadful complications, including cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, or thromboembolic events. Early recognition and timely treatment are pivotal in such cases.