Stress-induced cardiomyopathy in young military personnel during combat: a case report

Negar  Jafari; Venus Shahabi  Rabori

doi:10.18502/cbj.v5i2.21132

Negar Jafari Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Science, Urmia, Iran
Venus Shahabi Rabori Department of Cardiology, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth NHS Trust, UK

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/cbj.v5i2.21132

Keywords: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, stress cardiomyopathy, young adults, military personnel, combat stress, STEMI

Abstract

Objectives: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), referred to as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is characterized as a transient syndrome of myocardial dysfunction mimicking acute coronary syndrome that occurs without significant coronary artery disease (1). While predominantly occurring in postmenopausal women, there is a growing number of young men experiencing extreme stress who are also being diagnosed with TTC.

Case Summary: We present a 21-year-old male soldier who presented with acute cardiac arrest with electrocardiographic signs of extensive anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction while in active military service in a war zone. Despite an initial presentation suggestive of massive myocardial infarction with severely elevated cardiac biomarkers and cardiogenic shock necessitating prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation, coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries. Remarkably, full cardiac and neurological recovery occurred within days, confirming the diagnosis of stress- induced cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions: This case underscores the clinical importance of considering TTC for young patients who exhibit signs of acute coronary syndrome, particularly in high-stress settings such as military combat zones.