Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Following an Emergent Midline Exploratory Laparotomy: A Case Report

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a transient left ventricular dysfunction often precipitated by acute emotional or physical stress. We present a case of a 45-year-old male patient who developed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy subsequent to an emergent laparotomy. Postoperative chest pain and ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (ECG) raised the concern for acute coronary syndrome; however, coronary angiography revealed no obstructive lesions. This case emphasizes the importance of including Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the differential diagnosis of perioperative cardiac events, even in atypical patient profiles.