When the Flu Breaks the Heart: A Case Report of Influenza A-Induced Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

We present a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), commonly known as broken heart syndrome, triggered by influenza A infection. Known cardiac complications of influenza include myocardial infarction, myocarditis, and pericarditis. Only a few cases of influenza have so far been reported that led to TCM. We discuss the presentation, investigations, and management of a 67-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain and shortness of breath two weeks after being diagnosed with influenza A. We aim to highlight a rare cardiac complication of influenza infection so that clinicians can have a high index of suspicion for this association.