Peripartum cardiomyopathy undergoing caesarean section under epidural anaesthesia.

PURPOSE: To report a case of peripartum dilated cardiomyopathy presenting for emergency caesarean section, this was successfully managed with Epidural Anaesthesia. CLINICAL FEATURES: A parturient suffering from idiopathic peripartum cardiomyopathy (E.F. 18%) was brought for an emergency caesarean section. Epidural anaesthesia was performed and 2% Lignocaine with adrenaline total 13 ml was injected into the epidural space. The patient's haemodynamic status was monitored with NIBP, ECG, pulse oximetry. Patient's perioperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: In patients suffering from peripartum cardiomyopathy, undergoing caesarean section epidural anaesthesia is an acceptable anaesthetic alternative.