Reversible left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning - A case report of ampulla cardiomyopathy

Ampulla cardiomyopathy is a rare cardiac syndrome characterized by transient left ventricular (LV) apical ballooning without significant coronary artery disease. The shape of the left ventricular cavity during the acute phase resembles an ampulla. These patients are usually misdiagnosed as acute myocardial infarction because of similar clinical symptoms, electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and myocardial enzyme elevation. The precise etiology remains unclear. However, the clinical course and prognosis are usually benign. We report a 62-year-old woman with ampulla cardiomyopathy and discussed the possible pathogenesis involved. Catecholamine-related microcirculation dysfunction appears to be the most likely etiology.