Reverse Takotsubo and Prolonged Cardiac Arrest Following Inadvertent Epinephrine Injection

Reverse and classical forms of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy are typically seen in situations with high levels of catecholamines or by catecholamine administration such as epinephrine. We describe the case of a 27-year-old male who developed Reverse Takotsubo and cardiac arrest after inadvertent epinephrine administration during general anesthesia for minor orthopedic procedure. The patient underwent prolonged CPR and fully recovered normal left ventricular function and did not suffer any neurological sequelae. Anaesthesia safety and medication errors are discussed, as well as factors contributing to errors. Lessons should be learned from errors, and strategies to improve safety in anesthesia practice must be developed.