BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by a transient left ventricular dysfunction without obstructive coronary artery disease that mimics an acute myocardial infarction. The electrocardiogram findings of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy usually present with ST-segment elevation or depression, T-wave inversion, left bundle branch block or high-grade atrioventricular block.

CASE REPORT: This is a report of a case of a 58-year-old male diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy that occurred in the setting of an acute asthma exacerbation and psychiatric exacerbation with novel electrocardiogram findings of right bundle branch block. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed a preserved ejection fraction with left ventricular apical ballooning and hyperkinesis of the basal segments. The nuclear stress test showed a fixed perfusion defect at the apical segment, but the patient refused further testing such as coronary angiography. The patient was managed medically, and a repeat echocardiogram done after 8 weeks from discharge showed a complete resolution of the apical ballooning.

CONCLUSIONS: It is important to recognize that patients with psychiatric illness and asthma exacerbation are predisposed to develop Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It is also reasonable to suspect Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the presence of new electrocardiogram findings aside from those typically seen in acute myocardial infarction, especially if it is associated with apical ballooning.

Keywords: Asthma, Bundle-Branch Block, Psychotic Disorders, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, Dyspnea, Electrocardiography, Mental Disorders