Authors Keywords: Takotsubo syndrome, liver transplant, perioperative cardiac decompensation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation Abstract

Takotsubo syndrome is an important and often overlooked cause of reversible non-ischaemic perioperative cardiac decompensation. We report a case of intraoperative Takotsubo syndrome in an adult liver transplant recipient that occurred approximately 45 minutes after reperfusion of the implanted liver graft. In addition to multi-organ dysfunction requiring intensive life support, the recipient required venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Despite a prolonged hospital stay, three-month follow-up confirmed complete recovery of cardiac function. This case highlights the need for increased awareness of this condition and the need to facilitate appropriate care and referral pathways should perioperative Takotsubo syndrome occur.

Author Biographies T Chitagu, University of the Witwatersrand

Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

B Bobat, University of the Witwatersrand

Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

A Vachiat, University of the Witwatersrand

Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

J Fabian, University of the Witwatersrand

Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

L Brannigan, University of the Witwatersrand

Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Issue Section

Case Studies

License

By submitting manuscripts to SAJAA, authors of original articles are assigning copyright to the SA Society of Anaesthesiologists. Authors may use their own work after publication without written permission, provided they acknowledge the original source. Individuals and academic institutions may freely copy and distribute articles published in SAJAA for educational and research purposes without obtaining permission.

The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial Works 4.0 South Africa License. The SAJAA does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors.