Psilocybin-induced takotsubo cardiomyopathy
BMJ Case Reports – May 01, 2022
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A striking finding in Cardiology reveals a recreational hallucinogen's unexpected link to heart health. One individual developed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or Takotsubo syndrome, after ingesting Psilocybin. This severe form of cardiomyopathy, typically triggered by extreme physical or emotional stress—contexts sometimes explored in Electroconvulsive Therapy Studies or Suicide and Self-Harm Studies—manifested as respiratory distress. This case is particularly notable in Medicine, representing only the second documented instance where a hallucinogen was implicated in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and Associated Phenomena.
Abstract
We present a case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy following recreational ingestion of Psilocybe semilanceata (known as ‘magic mushrooms’). The patient presented with respiratory distress and pulmonary oedema responding to standard medical measures. Investigations included: echocardiogram, cardiac MRI and angiogram. Based on our search, we suggest this is only the second recognised case in the published literature.