Case report of a scarcely-known entity: peripartum cardiomyopathy

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Charlotte d’Odémont (1), Michel Henry (2), Pascale Grandjean (1) Published in the journal : January 2017 Category : Cardiology

Summary :

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is defined as a non-familial form of peripartum heart failure and described as an “idiopathic cardiomyopathy presenting with heart failure secondary to left-ventricular systolic dysfunction towards the end of pregnancy or in the months following delivery”. We have here reported the case of a young woman suffering from peripartum cardiomyopathy 2 months after delivery. This case provided us the opportunity to review etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this little-known medical condition with occasionally serious outcome.

What is already known about the topic?

While PPCM is a rare disease, it may exert a significant impact on the quality of life of female patients. Cardiac ultrasound is the examination of choice for diagnosis and prognosis, depending on the ejection fraction of the left ventricle. As of today, the pathophysiology remains unknown but several hypotheses have been raised. Therapy primairy consists in managing the heart failure.

What does this article bring up for us?

This case allowed us to refresh our knowledge of PPCM. Furthermore, it provided us the opportunity to discuss the possibility of a subsequent pregnancy and of new diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives

Key Words

Cardiomyopathy,peripartum, postpartum, heart failure