Postpartum takotsubo cardiomyopathy with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: a case report

Abstract

AbstractPostpartum takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare phenomenon caused by stress-induced, elevated levels of catecholamines and vasoconstrictive agents or by the administration of vasoconstrictive drugs such as bromocriptine and ergotrates. The condition has only been described in the past 20 years. The usual clinical course is complete resolution, although maternal mortality is estimated at 1%. An equally rare condition is postpartum reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Like postpartum takotsubo cardiomyopathy, the etiology of postpartum cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is thought to involve stress-induced, elevated levels of catecholamines and vasoconstrictive agents. Also, like postpartum takotsubo cardiomyopathy, the usual clinical course is complete resolution. This is the first reported case where both of these rare conditions occurred in the same patient after spontaneous vaginal delivery.