Outcome of pregnancy after peripartum cardiomyopathy: search of literature and case series

ABSTRACT

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy [PPCM] is a rare life threatening disease and affects young women. Relevant literature has been searched. Symptoms of PPCM vary greatly and may be obscured by common physiological aspects of pregnancy. Therefore incidence rate might be higher. Echocardiography and MRI can confirm or rule out PPCM. Unfortunately there is no specific risk factor profile available. We have collected data of three such cases in which we followed the outcome of pregnancy in patients who had PPCM in previous pregnancies. Increasing awareness for PPCM among general practitioners, obstetricians and cardiologists may help in early diagnosis in order to start adequate treatment. We are presenting the outcome of pregnancy of three patients with history of PPCM in previous pregnancies.