Post-Transfusion Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

In three recent cases an initial transfusion-related adverse event (TRAE) occurred that had a significant respiratory component, and other features suggesting a severe allergic reaction. All were treated as such. Shortly after treatment the nature of the event changed to something resembling transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO).

These cases suggest the possibility that a severe TRAE that is not TACO may precipitate TACO. In other words, some transfusions, sometimes, may deliver a 'double whammy'. A possible mechanism might be through the development of Takotsubo, or stress, cardiomyopathy - a cause of acute, reversible, heart failure. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy typically presents with chest pain or shortness of breath. Ventricular wall dysfunction occurs, and characteristic echocardiographic abnormalities are seen. ECG and biochemical features suggest cardiac ischaemia. It is commoner in post-menopausal women. A range of 'stressors' - hypotension, asthma attacks, accidents, medical procedures, pain, bad news, etc. - may precipitate it. ¹ Catecholamines such as adrenaline are believed to play a central role. They cause direct toxicity to the myocardium, and also coronary artery spasm, and increased cardiac workload. ² One other such case is reported. There, a 48 years old post-menopausal woman developed acute reversible heart failure with the features of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, following urticaria and pruritus, whilst having a platelet transfusion. No adrenaline was given, but the authors postulate that adrenergic and histaminergic elements may have combined to produce the effect on the heart. ³ Thus, in some patients the 'perfect storm' compounded of

1. borderline cardiac function,

2. catecholamine release (secondary to the stress of the underlying disorder, the transfusion, and the TRAE),

3. histamine release (in allergic TRAE),

4. the treatment of the allergic reaction with adrenaline

5. recent or ongoing volume overload

may be sufficient to precipitate or exacerbate TACO. Careful consideration of cases with similar features is needed. Potential precipitating factors are modifiable or preventable.

References:

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/takotsubo-cardiomyopathy-broken-heart-syndrome

2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.116.027121

3. Zhou JQ, Choe E, Ang L, et al. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy associated with a transfusion reaction: A case of potential crosstalk between the histaminic and adrenergic systems. Exp Clin Cardiol.2011; 16: 30-32

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