Impella in Takotsubo syndrome complicated by left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and severe mitral regurgitation

The treatment of cardiogenic shock in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is challenging because it depends on the mechanisms leading to the haemodynamic instability. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman admitted for TTS complicated by cardiogenic shock. The early echocardiographic identification of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) prompted us to implant an Impella CP assist device as a bridge-to-recovery therapy. After device positioning, the haemodynamic status improved and LVOTO and severe MR disappeared. Because of the persistence of severe hypotension, the mechanical circulatory support was continued in intensive care unit and stopped only 5 days later, when intraventricular gradient spontaneously dropped. The patient was discharged after 1 week in stable conditions. Our case suggests that Impella circulating support may be a useful bridge-to-recovery therapeutic option in selected patients with cardiogenic shock due to TTS complicated by LVOTO and severe MR.