Retrospective study of 10-cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy

ABSTRACT

In order to characterize the features of peripartum cardiomyopathy, clinical, electro-cardiographic and echo cardiographic data obtained from ten patients [mean age 36.7 years +/- 7,2] who fulfilled peripartum cardiomyopathy diagnostic criteria were analysed [1]. All were multiparous. Eight [80%] developed heart failure 6.1 weeks +/- 2.2 after delivery and two [20%] in last trimester. Six [60%] patient were in NYIIA functional class III and two [20%] in class IV. Cardiothoracic ratio was increased in all patients on chest X-Ray. Two dimensional echocardiography showed increased internal diameter of left ventricle with poor systolic function in all patients