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Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 4/2011

01-04-2011 | Materno-fetal Medicine

“Broken heart” after cesarean delivery. Case report and review of literature

Authors: Jarmila A. Zdanowicz, Anja C. Utz, Isabella Bernasconi, Sacha Geier, Roberto Corti, Ernst Beinder

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 4/2011

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Abstract

Objective

To present a rare case of a multiparous woman undergoing elective cesarean section with apparent symptoms of acute coronary syndrome and who was later diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM; “broken heart syndrome”). To review similar case reports already reported in literature.

Methods

Literature search on the occurrence of TCM in pregnancy using MEDLINE and Cochrane databases.

Results

TCM might occur in women with no known pre-existing cardiomyopathy and uncomplicated pregnancies undergoing cesarean section, especially in combination with the administration of catecholamines/vasoconstrictive substances and possibly also oxytocin and prostaglandins.

Conclusions

Since TCM is related to emotional and physical stress, the surroundings during cesarean section should be kept quiet and smooth. Adrenergic stimulants (adrenaline, phenylephrine, ergonovine, ephedrine) and anticholinergics (atropine) should be used with caution and adequate volume substitution prior to the onset of spinal analgesia for the prevention of hypotension should be provided. If signs of an acute coronary syndrome during cesarean section do occur, echocardiography is obligatory for diagnosis of TCM.
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Metadata
Title
“Broken heart” after cesarean delivery. Case report and review of literature
Authors
Jarmila A. Zdanowicz
Anja C. Utz
Isabella Bernasconi
Sacha Geier
Roberto Corti
Ernst Beinder
Publication date
01-04-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 4/2011
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1769-6

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