Introduction:

The takotsubo syndrome is a rare clinical entity commonly associated with elderly women (ratio 6:1), easily confused with an acute ischemic syndrome, strangely associated with a myasthenic crisis. It is characterized with chest pain, elevated biomarkers, ST segment elevation, absence of coronary flow obstruction, and a characteristic deformity (anteroapical dyskinesia) of the left ventricle; these changes associated with a stressor.

Case report:

A woman of 69 years, diagnosed with myasthenia gravis six years ago, who entered in the intensive care unit with a suspected diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and respiratory failure which required mechanical ventilation. Coronary angiography discarded a coronary disease. Ventriculography revealed a systolic anteroapical deformation. Treatment was initiated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and plasmapheresis with partial response, it required the use of vasoactive amines, with a suitable progressive cardiovascular and neurological outcome, with echocardiographic resolution.

Conclusions:

The takotsubo syndrome can be associated with myasthenia gravis and myasthenic crisis. The prognosis depends on early diagnosis, appropriate differential diagnosis, immediate treatment of myasthenic crisis, and management of the hemodynamic consequences of the takotsubo syndrome.