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Opioid Intoxication to Withdrawal: A Case of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Opioid Intoxication to Withdrawal: A Case of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Kashaf Aqeel Zaidi, Parikshit Chapagain and Asef Mahmud
Curēus (Palo Alto, CA), Vol.16(5), e59484
05/01/2024
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59484
PMID: 38826989
url
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.59484View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterized by a transient reduction in left ventricular systolic function with apical akinesis. TTC is usually associated with stress and emotional responses; however, opioid withdrawal has been identified as a rare cause of precipitation of TTC. We describe the case of an elderly female with chronic opioid dependence, who presented with symptoms of toxicity and developed TTC upon opioid withdrawal. Her symptoms improved with clonidine. In the time of an ongoing opioid crisis and an attempt to reduce opioid use among patients, this case reinforces the importance of anticipating TTC as a possibly life -threatening complication of sudden discontinuation of opioids in patients who have developed dependence on it.
General & Internal Medicine Life Sciences & Biomedicine Medicine, General & Internal Science & Technology

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