Takotsubo cardiomyopathy complicating acute pancreatitis: a case report

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis as a trigger of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has been infrequently described in the literature. Misdiagnosis of this phenomenon can often occur due to overlap in symptomology, particularly in those outside of the usual patient demographic. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old man with a history of alcohol abuse presented with epigastric and chest pain. Electrocardiography showed ischemic changes, and laboratory workup revealed elevated lipase and troponin. He was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and managed presumptively as acute coronary syndrome. Subsequent coronary angiography was negative for obstructive coronary artery disease, and left ventriculography demonstrated basal hyperkinesis and apical akinesis, characteristic of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare complication of acute pancreatitis. Increased awareness of this phenomenon is required to prevent delays in diagnosis and avoid unnecessary interventions and complications.