[Takotsubo cardiomyopathy; reversible cardiomyopathy induced by stress].

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in a 79-year-old woman. She visited her husband who had been admitted for primary percutaneous coronary intervention, and during her visit she developed acute chest pain. Further investigation revealed transient left ventricular apical ballooning, diagnosed as takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This clinical syndrome is characterized by transient regional left ventricle wall motion abnormalities without significant epicardial coronary stenosis. It is provoked by stressful events. Especially in elderly women presenting with the clinical features of an ST-elevation myocardial infarction, takotsubo cardiomyopathy should be considered as an alternative diagnosis. Regarding the exact aetiology and pathophysiology many questions remain unanswered. With supportive treatment the prognosis is favourable.