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American Heart Association

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Final ID: Su2085

Rare Case of Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Associated with VZV-Induced CNS Vasculitis in a Postpartum Patient

Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): A 27-year-old woman on 4th postpartum day presented to ED with fatigue, dysphagia, and chest tightness. Appeared anxious and had sinus tachycardia. Labs revealed leukocytosis, elevated hsTrop, and pro-BNP. TTE demonstrated LV systolic dysfunction (EF 35%), with basal hypokinesis and preserved apical function, raising suspicion for reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Workup for dysphagia included brain MRI, which revealed a CLIPPERS-like brainstem lesion. She was treated with high-dose IV steroids, DAPT for 21 days, and GDMT. Readmitted within days with new-onset expressive aphasia and right lower extremity weakness. MRI showed an acute infarct in the left anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory. Cerebral angiography confirmed moderate to severe vasculitis and vasospasm of the bilateral ACA and left MCA. Steroids were escalated, and rituximab was initiated for presumed steroid-refractory postpartum vasculitis. Immunosuppressive therapy included prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil. Further testing confirmed VZV CNS vasculitis (positive VZV IgM, oligoclonal bands, and angiographic vasculitis); valacyclovir was later added. Repeat echocardiogram two weeks later showed EF normalization to 55–60% with no regional wall motion abnormalities, confirming transient rTTC. This case illustrates an unusual neurocardial interaction: VZV-induced CNS vasculitis triggered reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a postpartum woman. The catecholaminergic surge and neuroinflammatory milieu a/w CNS involvement likely contributed to myocardial stunning. The postpartum period may further predispose to immune dysregulation, explaining the fulminant course of vasculitis. rTTC is classically associated with neurological insults like subarachnoid hemorrhage or seizures, but to our knowledge, this is the first reported case linking VZV vasculitis to rTTC. This emphasizes the need to consider stress cardiomyopathy variants in postpartum patients presenting with cardiac and neurological symptoms and supports early echocardiography and CNS imaging in such scenarios. We report a rare and complex case of reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy secondary to VZV-induced CNS vasculitis in the postpartum period. This case highlights the critical interplay between the central nervous system and cardiac function, the importance of early multidisciplinary involvement, and the potential reversibility of both cardiac and neurological complications with timely immunosuppressive and antiviral therapy.
  • Rupakheti, Ashim  ( St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital , Youngstown , Ohio , United States )
  • Author Disclosures:
    Ashim Rupakheti: DO NOT have relevant financial relationships
Meeting Info:

Scientific Sessions 2025

2025

New Orleans, Louisiana

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