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Abstract

Introduction: Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a neurological condition described as acute onset anterograde amnesia that resolves within 24 hours. TGA is often associated with migraine history, psycho-physical stress, and cardiovascular risk factors. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTC), also known as Broken Heart Syndrome, is a reversible, stress-induced weakening of the left ventricle (LV) resulting in cardiomyopathy. Concurrent occurrence of the two syndromes have rarely been reported. To date, there have been 10 documented concurrent TGA and TTC cases, all unrelated to sexual triggers. Here we report the first patient with simultaneous TGA and TTC following a sexual encounter.

Insights and Aim: Summarize a case and its associated factors to establish awareness of a possible causal relationship between TGA and TTC following a sexual encounter as a precipitating factor. 

Case Report: A 66 year-old woman presented to the emergency department with sudden onset confusion and forgetfulness witnessed by the patient’s husband immediately after sexual intercourse.

Neurologic exam on admission revealed short-term memory deficits, resulting in repeated questions of similar nature regarding the peri-ictal period. Lab results revealed an elevated High Sensitivity Troponin-T of 51 ng/L (normal, < 14 ng/L); all other pertinent labs were within normal limits. The patient’s neurological manifestations of amnesia resolved 14 hours after the time of presentation.

Conclusion: Although TGA is considered a primary neurologic disorder, it is important to recognize a possible relationship between TGA and TTC in order to manage the cardiac complications that may arise from TTC.

Keywords: Stress Cardiomyopathy; Broken Heart Syndrome; Transient Global Amnesia; Heart Failure

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References

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Citation

Citation: Vibhav Bansal., et al. “Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Resulting from Transient Global Amnesia Following a Sexual Encounter".Acta Scientific Neurology 3.5 (2020): 31-34.

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Copyright

Copyright: © 2020 Vibhav Bansal., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.