Gut Feelings and Broken Hearts: A Case of Small Bowel Obstruction Causing Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), also known as apical ballooning syndrome or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, typically presents with features of the acute coronary syndrome. It is characterized by left ventricular apical akinesis and transient systolic dysfunction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Although its pathogenesis remains unclear, it is thought to be a catecholamine surge that is produced following intense physical or emotional stress. We present a case of TCM in a patient with small bowel obstruction (SBO), which is a rare trigger.