skip to main content

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyAcute Cardiac PresentationsTakotsubo cardiomyopathySCE Acute Medicine

A 64-year-old woman is assessed on the acute medical unit. She develops chest pain after bereavement. ECG shows anterior T-wave inversion, troponin is modestly raised and echocardiography shows apical ballooning beyond one coronary territory. Initial assessment includes relevant observations, bedside tests and urgent blood results. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is the best answer because transient regional dysfunction extending beyond a single coronary territory after emotional stress suggests Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Atrial fibrillation with decompensation is plausible, but it is less appropriate for the physiology or timing described in this stem. The other distractors either fit a neighbouring presentation, delay definitive treatment, or miss the key immediate risk. Clinical pearl: Coronary disease still needs exclusion in the acute presentation.

Reference: ESC ACS guidance