Recurrence of stress cardiomyopathy after an earthquake. Report of one case

Stress-induced cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient systolic dysfunction of the apical or mid segments of the left ventricle that mimics myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Symptoms recur after a physical or emotional stress. We report a 77 years old female that in 2004, suffered an episode of stress cardiomyopathy after an intense physical effort. In February 2010, immediately after the earthquake that occurred in Chile, the patient consulted for chest pain, ST segment elevation and enzyme elevation. An echocardiography showed a left ventricular anteroseptal akinesia with an ejection fraction of 35%. Coronary arteriography did not show significant alterations. (Rev Med Chile 2011; 139: 79-83).