Subject(s)
Autoantigens/immunology , Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Bradycardia/congenital , Immunity, Maternally-Acquired , Isoantibodies/immunology , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology , Pregnancy Complications/immunology , RNA, Small Cytoplasmic , Ribonucleoproteins/immunology , Adult , Bradycardia/immunology , Female , Heart Conduction System/immunology , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , PregnancyABSTRACT
Recurrent fetal loss and pregnancy complications, especially severe early-onset preeclampsia, are frequently associated with anti-phospholipid antibodies. We report a case of post-partum cardiac involvement leading to dilated cardiomyopathy in a woman with a persistent positivity for anti-cardiolipin and anti-nuclear antibodies. Her clinical and obstetric record reported two previous fetal losses but no other signs characteristic of the anti-phospholipid syndrome or diagnostic for a systemic lupus erythematosus. Post-partum cardiomyopathy might be another cardiac presentation of the anti-phospholipid syndrome, in addition to the well known valvular involvement. In patients with persistent positivities for anti-phospholipid antibodies, a prompt identification of such a complication in the post-partum period should be taken into account by physicians. Adequate cardiologic treatment associated with antiaggregant and steroid therapy might be useful to prevent further complications in these patients.