Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) and Takotsubo: A Heart and Brain Affair!

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is characterized by reversible left ventricle systolic dysfunction usually associated with stressors (physiological, psychological) being triggering factors. The increase in sympathetic activity, along with a subsequent surge of catecholamines, has been hypothesized as a possible etiology of TC. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), a relatively rare and recently recognized reversible clinico-radiological syndrome, is thought to share the same pathophysiology as TC. We present a case of an 83-year-old female who presented with seizures and was found to have PRES. Within three days of hospitalization, she developed takotsubo. She endorsed being under significant emotional stress that was thought to be the common culprit for both of her syndromes, i.e., PRES and TC.