Contribution of cardiac MRI in the comprehension of peripartum cardiomyopathy pathogenesis

Characterisation of peripartum cardiomyopathy by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

“…Furthermore, only five of the eight patients had a repeat cardiac MRI. There are two reports to suggest that LGE is a feature of PPCM and is time-dependent, with LGE seen early in the course of presentation before recovery of LV function occurs [12,13]. Moreover, other authors have even suggested that LGE in PPCM and other nonischaemic cardiomyopathies has prognostic significance [14].…”

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review

“…In PPCM, cardiac MRI provides more accurate quantification of chamber volumes and ventricular function, and is more sensitive in detecting LV thrombus than echocardiography (Mouquet, 2008;Srichai, 2006). At the present time, there are four case series with PPCM assessed by cardiac MRI (CaballeroBorrego, 2008;Kawano, 2008;Leurent, 2009;Mouquet, 2008). In only two of these studies the technique revealed myocardial inflammation.…”

“…The interest for the technique is also suggested by the ability to differentiate PPCM from other forms of cardiomyopathy, like Tako-Tsubo or ischemic cardiomyopathy. The technique might be a useful method for guiding biopsy to the abnormal area (Leurent et al, 2009), and for prognostic stratification (Kawano et al, 2008). In his comment, Fett supports cardiac MRI for PPCM which is not responding to conventional therapy as long as late gadolinium enhancement is more likely to be present in these cases (Fett, 2009).…”

The pregnant heart: cardiac emergencies during pregnancy

“…Echocardiography is the keystone in the diagnosis of PPCM and essential in detecting the reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) as well as evaluating the presence of LV dilatation or thrombus [16]. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used in a limited number of patients for the assessment of cardiac function and detection of mural thrombi or myocardial fibrosis; however, the use of gadolinium should be avoided during pregnancy, as there are theoretical concerns for fetal nephrogenic toxicity as it crosses the placenta [24][25][26].…”