Combined neurogenic pulmonary oedema and atypical Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a patient with ischaemic stroke: a unique case report

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic pulmonary oedema (NPO) and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy are rare complications of ischaemic stroke. They are considered to be due to an excess catecholamine release after sympathetic nervous stimulation following stroke onset. Among the different types of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning is recognized as the typical form, but three atypical patterns have been described (midventricular, basal, and focal) which are more commonly observed in patients with neurological disorders. CASE SUMMARY: A 78-year-old woman was treated with intravenous alteplase and underwent mechanical thrombectomy for ischaemic stroke. During the procedure, her respiratory condition quickly worsened requiring invasive mechanical ventilation because of a wide and persistent reduction of the inspiratory oxygen fraction/arterial partial oxygen pressure ratio. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction with akinesis of the septal-apical and inferior-apical segments. Coronary angiography excluded obstructive lesions and/or evidence of acute plaque rupture. Ventriculography confirmed akinesis/dyskinesis of the inferior segment of the left ventricular apex associated with normal kinesis of the remaining segments. Chest X-ray revealed an infiltrative shadow on both lungs. After 24 h from NPO onset, her respiratory function improved and she was finally discharged on Day 7 without neurological defects. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was reversible and ejection fraction normalized in 3 months. DISCUSSION: It is a very rare case of simultaneous NPO and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy following ischaemic stroke. Moreover, it is unique in that it is the first observation of NPO associated with an atypical pattern of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which is more frequent in patients with neurological disorders. A rapid recognition and treatment are essential for patient survival.