High-Grade Atrioventricular Block and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

In this report, we presented a 71-year-old woman who suffered a syncopal episode in the context of advanced atrioventricular block associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The heart block did not resolve and a permanent pacemaker was implanted while there was a gradual improvement of the left ventricular systolic function. We also provided a detailed review of the literature regarding the association between atrioventricular block and takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Moreover, we critically discussed other cases reporting development of takotsubo cardiomyopathy after pacemaker implantation, possibly related to the perioperative stress.