Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: An Intriguing Challenge. Case Report with Literature Review

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a relatively rare disease, which can have devasting consequences and should be promptly identified and correctly treated. Overall prognosis is good in majority of the cases, although some patients may progress to irreversible heart failure. Early diagnosis is important and effective treatment reduces mortality rates and increases the chance of complete recovery of ventricular systolic function.We report of an interesting case with a favourable outcome and discuss about the clinical presentation, therapy and outcome of this condition.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy with Heart Failure Persisting Beyond Ten Months Post-Partum: A Rare Case Report in Awka, Nigeria

“…[6,7,8] Persisting heart failure despite treatment beyond 5 months post-partum has a poor prognosis for PPCM and on future pregnancy. [5,6,7,9,10] Our patient did not show full recovery from heart failure 10 months post-partum, suggesting she might have a poor prognosis from PPCM and a poor future pregnancy outcome should she decide on future pregnancy.…”

“…Resolution of heart failure within 5 months carries better prognosis for PPCM and future pregnancy. [3,5] We thus report a rare case of PPCM in Awka, Nigeria, that presented with heart failure in the 8 th month of pregnancy; the heart failure did not resolve completely 10 months post-partum.…”

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM): Dual Case Report and Review of Literatures

“…As a last resort, if medical treatments are not successful, heart transplantation is done [4]. Progression of the PPCM requiring heart transplantation is described in 4% and death in 9% at a two years follow up [3]. Other studies showed a much higher mortality rate such as 15% or 32% at 6 months [24].…”

United States Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use 2010: A Review of Changes

“…Associated symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, and pedal edema may be misdiagnosed as signs of pregnancy, thus delaying diagnosis. Patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy are at high risk for complications such as blood clot formation, cardiac arrhythmia, and cardiac failure 76 . There is a high mortality rate associated with this condition: 25% to 50% of women die within 3 months postpartum 76 .…”

“…Patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy are at high risk for complications such as blood clot formation, cardiac arrhythmia, and cardiac failure 76 . There is a high mortality rate associated with this condition: 25% to 50% of women die within 3 months postpartum 76 . Subsequent pregnancy carries increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality related to the amount of recovered maternal ventricular function.…”