A case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy precipitated by lumiracoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor

Abstract

Considerable controversy exists regarding the cardiovascular safety of COX-2 inhibitors, both in patients with and without established cardiovascular disease. Currently, the major focus is on thrombotic complications presenting as myocardial infarction. In this report, we present a case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as the apical ballooning syndrome, precipitated by the use of lumiracoxib. We are concerned that this might be the first case of COX-2 inhibitor-induced apical ballooning syndrome and that more may follow.