Case report: Systemic lupus erythematosus combined with myocardial hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem-involved, highly heterogeneous autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations. We report an extremely rare case of SLE with severe diffuse myocardial hypertrophy. METHODS: The patient's echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) results indicated diffuse myocardial hypertrophy. After excluding coronary atherosclerosis, hypertensive cardiomyopathy, drug toxicity, and other causes, the patient was diagnosed with SLE-specific cardiomyopathy. Medications such as hormones, antimalarials, immunosuppressants, and biologics were administered. RESULTS: Ancillary test results were as follows: hs-cTnI: 0.054 ng/mL (0-0.016); NTproBNP: 1594.0 pg/mL (<150); A contrast-enhanced CMR revealed the diffuse thickening of the left ventricular wall with multiple abnormal enhancements, reduced left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, and moderate amount of pericardial effusion. Endomyocardial myocardial biopsy was performed, showing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and degeneration, and no changes in myocarditis or amyloidosis. The pathology viewed by electron microscopy showed increased intracellular glycogen in the myocardium, and no hydroxychloroquine-associated damage in the myocardium. The 24-h ambulatory blood pressure and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of coronary arteries were normal. The diagnosis of SLE-specific cardiomyopathy was clear. The myocardial hypertrophy showed reversible alleviation following treatment with high-dose corticosteroids. CMR results before and after treatment were as follows: interventricular septum, pretreatment (28) versus post-treatment (22) mm; left ventricular inferior wall, pretreatment (18-21) versus post-treatment (12-14) mm; left ventricular lateral wall, pretreatment (17-18) versus post-treatment (10-12) mm; pericardial effusion (left ventricular lateral wall), pretreatment (25) versus post-treatment (12) mm; left ventricular ejection fraction, pretreatment (38.9%) versus post-treatment (66%). CONCLUSION: Myocardial hypertrophy may be an important sign of active and prognostic assessment in SLE diagnosis and management. Similarly, when encountering cases of myocardial hypertrophy, the possibility of autoimmune disease should be considered in addition to common causes.

Pericardial Effusion in Association With Periodontitis: Case Report and Review of 8 Patients in Literature.

Periodontal diseases are well-known background for infective endocarditis. Here, we show that pericardial effusion or pericarditis might have origin also in periodontal diseases. An 86-year-old man with well-controlled hypertension and diabetes mellitus developed asymptomatic increase in pericardial effusion. Two weeks previously, he took oral new quinolone antibiotics for a week because he had painful periodontitis along a dental bridge in the mandibular teeth on the right side and presented cheek swelling. The sputum was positive for Streptococcus species. He was healthy and had a small volume of pericardial effusion for the previous 5 years after drug-eluting coronary stents were inserted at the left anterior descending branch 10 years previously. The differential diagnoses listed for pericardial effusion were infection including tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases, and metastatic malignancy. Thoracic to pelvic computed tomographic scan demonstrated no mass lesions, except for pericardial effusion and a small volume of pleural effusion on the left side. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography disclosed many spotty uptakes in the pericardial effusion. The patient denied pericardiocentesis, based on his evaluation of the risk of the procedure. He was thus discharged in several days and followed at outpatient clinic. He underwent dental treatment and pericardial effusion resolved completely in a month. He was healthy in 6 years until the last follow-up at the age of 92 years. We also reviewed 8 patients with pericarditis in association with periodontal diseases in the literature to reveal that periodontal diseases would be the background for developing infective pericarditis and also mediastinitis on some occasions.

Management of hepatic hydropericardium with open drainage, maximal medical therapy and terlipressin.

We present the case of a woman in her 60s with Child-Pugh C cirrhosis who developed pericardial tamponade during an admission for a haemothorax secondary to a mechanical fall. The patient developed haemodynamic compromise with a rapid decline in renal function. During an open subxiphoid drain tube insertion, a pre-existing peritoneopericardial communication was noted, with ascites in the peritoneal cavity on view. The serum ascites albumin gradient was 14 g/L. Maximal medical therapy was commenced including diuresis and albumin, with adjunctive terlipressin infusion which restored her baseline renal function and resolved the effusion. We believe this is the first case report of using open drainage, maximal medical therapy and terlipressin to successfully treat hepatic hydropericardium and its subsequent renal compromise.

Variability in Interpretation of Echocardiographic Signs of Tamponade: A Survey of Emergency Physician Sonographers.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac tamponade is associated with high mortality, and making the diagnosis is a core skill of emergency physicians. Proper diagnosis relies on specific clinical and echocardiographic findings. It is not known whether expert sonographers consistently recognize echocardiographic signs of tamponade. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether expert sonographers agree on echocardiographic signs of tamponade. METHODS: A 20-question survey consisting of 18 cine loops and 2 still images was distributed to the Academy of Emergency Ultrasound Section of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. Respondents answered "yes" or "no" to whether there was echocardiographic evidence of tamponade. Subgroup analyses of demographics and echocardiographic views were reported. The data were analyzed using Krippendorff's alpha (α) to assess interrater reliability (IRR) between respondents. RESULTS: Eighty-four physicians responded and 56 completed the survey. All partial and completed surveys were analyzed. The overall IRR was poor (α = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44-0.76). Residency graduation within 5 years (α = 0.66, 95% CI 0.5-0.8) was associated with higher IRR compared with those > 5 years (α = 0.53, 95% CI 0.37-0.69). The highest IRR was observed when images of mitral valve inflow pulse-wave Doppler (α = 0.81, CI 0.70-0.92) were used and the poorest IRR was on images from the parasternal short view (α = 0.28, 95% CI 0.05-0.49). CONCLUSION: There was poor agreement among expert emergency medicine sonographers in identifying echocardiographic signs of cardiac tamponade from a single cine loop or clip without clinical context. Further investigation is warranted to understand differences in recognition of clinical tamponade.

Echocardiographic manifestations in end-stage renal disease.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a common but profound clinical condition, and it is associated with extremely increased morbidity and mortality. ESRD can represent four major echocardiographic findings-myocardial hypertrophy, heart failure, valvular calcification, and pericardial effusion. Multiple factors interplay leading to these abnormalities, including pressure/volume overload, oxidative stress, and neurohormonal imbalances. Uremic cardiomyopathy is characterized by left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and marked diastolic dysfunction. In ESRD patients on hemodialysis, LV geometry is changeable bidirectionally between concentric and eccentric hypertrophy, depending upon changes in corporal fluid volume and arterial pressure, which eventually results in a characteristic of LV systolic dysfunction. Speckle tracking echocardiography enabling to detect subclinical disease might help prevent future advancement to heart failure. Heart valve calcification also is common in ESRD, keeping in mind which progresses faster than expected. In a modern era, pericardial effusion observed in ESRD patients tends to result from volume overload, rather than pericarditis. In this review, we introduce and discuss those four echocardiography-assessed findings of ESRD, with which known and conceivable pathophysiologies for each are incorporated.

Long-Term Survival of American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th Edition Staging Descriptors for Clinical M1a Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition TNM staging manual for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) M1a descriptors includes tumors presenting with malignant pleural or pericardial effusion (ie, M1a-Effusion), pleural or pericardial nodule(s) (ie, M1a-Pleural), or separate tumor nodule(s) in a contralateral lobe (ie, M1a-Contralateral). RESEARCH QUESTION: Is M1a NSCLC presenting with malignant pleural or pericardial effusion associated with worse survival compared with other types of M1a NSCLC? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients with cT1-4, N0-3, M1a NSCLC (satisfying a single M1a descriptor of M1a-Effusion, M1a-Pleural, or M1a-Contralateral), according to AJCC eighth edition staging criteria, in the National Cancer Database from 2010 to 2015 were included. Overall survival was evaluated by using Kaplan-Meier analysis, multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards modeling, and propensity score matching. RESULTS: Of the 25,716 patients who met study eligibility criteria, 12,756 (49.6%) presented with M1a-Effusion tumors, 3,589 (14.0%) with M1a-Pleural tumors, and 9,371 (36.4%) with M1a-Contralateral tumors. In multivariable-adjusted analysis, compared to M1a-Effusion tumors, both M1a-Pleural tumors (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.64-0.71; P < .001) and M1a-Contralateral tumors (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.64-0.69; P < .001) were associated with better overall survival. No significant differences were found in overall survival between patients with M1a-Pleural tumors vs M1a-Contralateral tumors. In a propensity score-matched analysis of 5,581 patients with M1a-Effusion tumors and 5,581 patients with other M1a tumors (ie, M1a-Contralateral or M1a-Effusion), those with M1a-Effusion tumors had worse 5-year overall survival than patients with other M1a tumors (M1a-Effusion 6.4% [95% CI, 5.7-7.1] vs M1a-Other 10.6% [95% CI, 9.7-11.5]; P < .001). INTERPRETATION: In this national analysis of AJCC 8th edition cT1-4, N0-3, M1a NSCLC, tumors with malignant pleural or pericardial effusion were associated with worse overall survival than tumors with either pleural or contralateral pulmonary nodules. These findings may be taken into consideration for the upcoming ninth edition of the AJCC lung cancer staging guidelines.

Use of POCUS for the assessment of dehydration in pediatric patients-a narrative review.

In pediatric practice, POCUS (point-of-care ultrasound) has been mostly implemented to recognize lung conditions and pleural and pericardial effusions, but less to evaluate fluid depletion. The main aim of this review is to analyze the current literature on the assessment of dehydration in pediatric patients by using POCUS. The size of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and its change in diameter in response to respiration have been investigated as a tool to screen for hypovolemia. A dilated IVC with decreased collapsibility (< 50%) is a sign of increased right atrial pressure. On the contrary, a collapsed IVC may be indicative of hypovolemia. The IVC collapsibility index (cIVC) reflects the decrease in the diameter upon inspiration. Altogether the IVC diameter and collapsibility index can be easily determined, but their role in children has not been fully demonstrated, and an estimation of volume status solely by assessing the IVC should thus be interpreted with caution. The inferior vena cava/abdominal aorta (IVC/AO) ratio may be a suitable parameter to assess the volume status in pediatric patients even though there is a need to define age-based thresholds. A combination of vascular, lung, and cardiac POCUS could be a valuable supplementary tool in the assessment of dehydration in several clinical scenarios, enabling rapid identification of life-threatening primary etiologies and helping physicians avoid inappropriate therapeutic interventions.   Conclusion: POCUS can provide important information in the assessment of intravascular fluid status in emergency scenarios, but measurements may be confounded by a number of other clinical variables. The inclusion of lung and cardiac views may assist in better understanding the patient's physiology and etiology regarding volume status. What is Known: • In pediatric practice, POCUS (point-of-care ultrasound) has been mostly implemented to recognize lung conditions (like pneumonia and bronchiolitis) and pleural and pericardial effusions, but less to evaluate fluid depletion. • The size of the IVC (inferior vena cava) and its change in diameter in response to respiration have been studied as a possible screening tool to assess the volume status, predict fluid responsiveness, and assess potential intolerance to fluid loading. What is New: • The IVC diameter and collapsibility index can be easily assessed, but their role in predicting dehydration in pediatric age has not been fully demonstrated, and an estimation of volume status only by assessing the IVC should be interpreted carefully. • The IVC /AO(inferior vena cava/abdominal aorta) ratio may be a suitable parameter to assess the volume status in pediatric patients even though there is a need to define age-based thresholds. A combination of vascular, lung, and cardiac POCUS can be a valuable supplementary tool in the assessment of intravascular volume in several clinical scenarios.

Histoplasma associated pericarditis with pericardial tamponade in a child.

Histoplasma-mediated pericarditis is rare, and it occurs due to host-mediated inflammatory or immune response to adjacent mediastinal adenitis or pneumonitis. It is usually self-limited and rarely progresses to a disseminated infection in an immunocompetent individual. In rare instances, it can occur without pulmonary manifestations, making the diagnosis challenging given the broad list of differentials that can be considered as in our patient who initially presented with an isolated pericardial effusion with tamponade needing emergent pericardiocentesis.

Efficacy and safety of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing left atrial appendage closure for atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The relative safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not been well defined. To evaluate the results in this cohort, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to January 2023 for all relevant studies. Our inclusion criteria were met by twelve observational studies that included 61324 patients altogether. RESULTS: Compared with no CKD group, in-hospital mortality (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 2.12-3.81, p<0.01, I2 = 0%), acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR: 4.39,95% CI:4.00-4.83, P<0.01, I2 = 3%), major bleeding events (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.29-1.60, p<0.01 I2 = 0%), and pericardial effusion/tamponade (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.13-1.51, p < 0.01; I2 = 0%) were more common in the CKD group, especially in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). No significant difference was observed in the occurrence of stroke (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.86-1.78, P = 0.25, I2 = 0%), LAAC success rates (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.33-3.16, p = 0.97, I2 = 58%) and vascular access complications (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.91-1.39, p = 0.28, I2 = 0%) between the two groups. During the follow-up, there was no difference in the risk of stroke between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: CKD patients who receive LAAC have a greater risk of in-hospital mortality, AKI, pericardial effusion/tamponade, and major bleeding events than those without CKD, especially in patients with ESRD. No significant difference in the risk of stroke was found in the long-term follow-up after LAAC between the two groups, demonstrating a similar efficacy of LAAC to prevent stroke in CKD patients.

Pericardial effusion and systemic capillary leak syndrome late post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

We report an interesting case of pericardial effusion associated with idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (ISCLS) following administration of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. This patient initially presented with dyspnoea and chest pain, with non-pitting oedema and clear lung fields. The diagnosis of ISCLS was made based on the clinical syndrome and laboratory evidence of polycythaemia and hypoalbuminaemia. An enlarging pericardial effusion was diagnosed on transthoracic echocardiogram. Daily point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)-guided volume management and serial transthoracic echocardiograms contributed to avoidance of refractory shock, cardiac tamponade and critical care admission.

Myocardial infarction in a neonate with severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a case report.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a rare and heterogeneous disorder in newborns, which can predispose them to other cardiac conditions such as myocardial infarction (MI). This case report describes the clinical presentation of a premature infant born at 30 weeks of gestation, who developed cardiac failure due to myocardial ischemia. The newborn exhibited distal acrocyanosis and respiratory distress shortly after birth. Echocardiography revealed significant left ventricular hypercontractility and hypertrophy, along with moderate pericardial effusion, tricuspid regurgitation and mitral regurgitation. Despite treatment with furosemide and inotropes, the patient's condition deteriorated, leading to demise after 14 days. Early detection of MI in newborns with vascular complications and HCM plays a crucial role in their management. In conclusion, the coexistence of acute MI and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be indicative of a fatal outcome. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a rare and heterogeneous disorder in newborns, which can predispose them to other cardiac conditions such as MI. This case report describes the clinical presentation of a premature infant born at 30 weeks of gestation, who developed cardiac failure due to myocardial ischemia. The newborn exhibited distal acrocyanosis and respiratory distress after birth. Echocardiography revealed significant left ventricular hypercontractility, moderate pericardial effusion, tricuspid regurgitation and mitral regurgitation. Despite treatment, the patient's condition deteriorated, leading to demise after 14 days. Early detection of MI in newborns with vascular complications and HCM plays a crucial role in their management. In conclusion, the coexistence of acute MI and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be indicative of a fatal outcome.

Description of a new clinical syndrome: thoracic constriction without evidence of the typical funnel-shaped depression-the "invisible" pectus excavatum.

Pectus excavatum (PE) is a congenital malformation with a funnel-shaped depression of the sternum that can lead to cardiac symptoms. However, there are patients with thoracic constriction (defined as elevated Haller-Index > 3.25 determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR)) without visible evidence of PE, leading to similar complaints. Between January 2004 till June 2020, patients who underwent CMR for further evaluation of the heart, due to cardiac symptoms were enrolled and compared to controls. Biventricular global strain analysis was assessed using feature tracking (CMR-FT). ECG and/or Holter recordings were performed to detect rhythm events. Cardiac symptoms were evaluated in detail using a questionnaire. Finally, 88 patients (male 35, female 53) with elevated Haller-Index (3.9 ± 0.8) were included and compared to CMR data from 25 individuals with confirmed PE and 25 healthy controls (HC). Mean age at time of CMR was 35 ± 16 years. The most common symptoms at presentation were palpitations (41%), followed by dyspnea (24%) and atypical chest pain (14%). Three patients (3%) had atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Concomitant phenomena were pericardial effusion in 39% and mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in 27% of the study cohort. While there were no differences in left ventricular function or volumes, right ventricular function (RVEF) was significantly lower in patients with internal PE compared to HC (RVEF (%) 50 ± 5 vs 59 ± 4, p < 0.01). Strain analysis revealed only discrete changes in RV strain, implying a purely mechanical problem in the absence of structural changes. RV dimensions were negatively correlated with the size of thoracic indices (r = 0.41), reflecting the extent of thoracic constriction. MVP was more prevalent in patients with greater thoracic indices (r = 0.24). The described cohort, referred to as internal PE because of the absence of external changes, showed similar CMR morphologic findings as patients with real PE (especially altered dimensions of the right heart and a lower RVEF). In addition, there was a high incidence of rhythm disturbances, such as extrasystoles or arrhythmias. In one-third of the study cohort additional abnormalities such as pericardial effusion or MVP were present, with MVP being found more frequently in patients with larger thoracic indices, suggesting a possible common pathogenesis.Trial registration: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN15355937, retrospectively registered 03.06.2022, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15355937?q=15355937&filters=&sort=&offset=1&totalResults=1&page=1&pageSize=10 .

Presumed primary cardiac mast cell tumor, pericardial effusion, and arrhythmia in a dog.

A 13-year-old female spayed border collie cross presented for pericardial effusion, arrhythmia, and a suspected cardiac mass. Echocardiogram revealed severe thickening and hypokinesis of the interventricular septum with a heterogenous, cavitated myocardium, concerning for neoplasia. Electrocardiogram revealed predominantly accelerated idioventricular rhythm with frequent periods of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Occasional prolonged PR intervals terminating in an aberrantly conducted QRS complex were present. These beats were postulated to represent either first-degree atrioventricular block with aberrant QRS conduction or atrioventricular dissociation. Cytology of the pericardial effusion revealed atypical, suspected neoplastic, mast cells. The patient was euthanized, and postmortem examination confirmed full-thickness infiltration of the interventricular septum by a mast cell tumor, with metastasis to the tracheobronchial lymph node and spleen. Given the anatomic location of the mass, the observed atrioventricular nodal conduction delay may represent neoplastic infiltration of the atrioventricular node. Neoplastic infiltration of the ventricle was suspected to cause the accelerated idioventricular rhythm and ventricular tachycardia. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a primary cardiac mast cell tumor causing arrhythmia and pericardial effusion in a dog.

Widespread keratinocytic epidermal nevus with an associated chylous pericardial effusion.

A 17-year-old male presented for review of a widespread keratinocytic epidermal nevus (KEN) in the setting of a chronic pericardial effusion. Biopsy of the epidermal nevus revealed a KRAS mutation. Pericardiocentesis revealed a chylous effusion and magnetic resonance lymphangiogram demonstrated an underlying lymphatic malformation. There are rare case reports of KEN with an associated KRAS mutation. This case highlights the importance of being alert to epidermal nevus syndrome, particularly in patients with a widespread nevus and seemingly unrelated pathology.

Spontaneous secondary pneumothorax with concomitant malignant pericardial effusion in the context of metastatic synovial sarcoma.

Synovial sarcoma is a rare malignancy that commonly metastasises to the lungs, lymph nodes and more infrequently to the heart. It is associated with an elevated risk of pneumothorax. In this case, we report a case of dual pathology in a metastatic synovial sarcoma patient. The patient not only presented with a pericardial effusion but also with a secondary pneumothorax. A bedside echocardiogram was performed quickly, and the pericardial effusion was diagnosed early. Diagnosing the pneumothorax was delayed as the chest X-ray was not expedited but the patient was treated with an intercostal catheter before complications ensued. In the context of chest pain in patients with metastatic synovial sarcoma, we argue that conducting an early bedside echocardiogram and chest X-ray is paramount to avoid potential life-threatening complications. Concurrent lung disease and recent chemotherapy administration should also raise the clinician's suspicion of pneumothorax in such cases.

Como eu faço a avaliação pós-intervenções tricúspides: dicas e truques / My approach to assessment after tricuspid interventions: tips and tricks

A regurgitação tricúspide (RT) importante está associada à alta morbidade e mortalidade. Como o tratamento cirúrgico da RT isolada tem sido associado à alta mortalidade, as intervenções transcateter na valva tricúspide (VT) têm sido utilizadas para o seu tratamento, com risco relativamente mais baixo. Há um atraso na intervenção da RT e provavelmente está relacionado a uma compreensão limitada da anatomia da VT e do ventrículo direito, além da subestimação da gravidade da RT. Nesse cenário, faz-se necessário o conhecimento anatômico abrangente da VT, a fisiopatologia envolvida no mecanismo de regurgitação, assim como a sua graduação mais precisa. A VT tem peculiaridades anatômica, histológica e espacial que fazem a sua avalição ser mais complexa, quando comparado à valva mitral, sendo necessário o conhecimento e treinamento nas diversas técnicas ecocardiográficas que serão utilizadas frequentemente em combinação para uma avaliação precisa. Esta revisão descreverá a anatomia da VT, o papel do ecocardiograma no diagnóstico, graduação e fisiopatologia envolvida na RT, as principais opções atuais de tratamento transcateter da RT e a avaliação do resultado após intervenção transcateter por meio de múltiplas modalidades ecocardiográficas.(AU)

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given that surgical treatment of TR alone has been associated with high mortality, transcatheter interventions in the tricuspid valve (TV) have been used for its treatment, with relatively lower risk. There is a delay in intervention for TR, and this is probably related to a limited understanding of the anatomy of the TV and the right ventricle, in addition to an underestimation of the severity of TR. In this scenario, it is necessary to have comprehensive anatomical knowledge of the TV, the pathophysiology involved in the mechanism of regurgitation, and more accurate grading. The TV has anatomical, histological, and spatial peculiarities that make its assessment more complex when compared to the mitral valve, requiring knowledge and training in the various echocardiographic techniques that will often be used in combination for accurate assessment. This review will describe the anatomy of the TV, the role of echocardiography in the diagnosis, grading, and pathophysiology involved in TR; the main transcatheter treatment options currently available for TR; and the assessment of outcomes after transcatheter intervention by means of multiple echocardiographic modalities.(AU)

A new risk score for the assessment of outcomes for Chinese patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially life-threatening complication of pregnancy, but identifying patients at higher risk of this condition remains difficult. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a study to identify new risk factors associated with PPCM and predictors of poor outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included a total of 44 women with PPCM. As a control group, 79 women who gave birth around the same time as the PPCM patients and who did not have organic disease were included. A multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors associated with PPCM and with delayed recovery. RESULTS: All PPCM patients were discharged within 28 days. In comparison to the control group, PPCM patients had higher rates of preeclampsia (20.4% vs. 1.27%, P<0.001), autoimmune disease (27.3% vs. 11.4%, P = 0.018), and cesarean delivery with preterm labor (31.8% vs. 17.7%, P = 0.037). The neonates of PPCM patients had lower birth weight (2.70±0.66 kg vs. 3.21±0.57 kg, P<0.001). PPCM patients had higher levels of C-reactive protein, d-dimer, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and serum phosphorus, but lower levels of albumin and serum calcium (all P<0.001). In all patients with PPCM, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) returned to normal (≥50%) within 28 days after admission. Subjects with early recovery (n = 34) had lower BNP than those with delayed recovery (n = 10) (649.7 ± 526.0 pg/mL vs. 1444.1 ± 1040.8 pg/mL, P = 0.002). Multivariate regression led to a three-point score system to predict PPCM (1 point each for the presence of pericardial effusion, left ventricular dilatation, and d-dimer level ≥0.5 µg/mL). At a cutoff of ≥2, this scoring system predicted delayed recovery with 95.5% sensitivity and 96.1% specificity. The negative predictive value was 97.4% and the positive predictive value was 93.3%. Binary logistic regression indicated that PPCM patients with pulmonary hypertension, lower hemoglobin, or worse LVEF tended to require longer hospital stay (minimum 14 days). CONCLUSIONS: A risk score that consists of pericardial effusion, left ventricular dilatation, and d-dimer level ≥ 0.5 µg/mL could help streamline the diagnosis of PPCM prior to confirmatory investigations. Moreover, a risk score that consists of pulmonary hypertension, lower hemoglobin and worse LVEF could help to predict poor outcomes in PPCM patients.