Armaghane Danesh Bimonthly Journal (Apr 2006)
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare but sometimes fatal form of heart failure during the period of 1 month antepartum to 5 months postpartum. The aim of this report is to assess the clinical presentation, management and crucial role of echocardiography in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy. Case: A 22 year-old woman, with previously healthy primipara, was admitted to the emergency ward with sever dyspnea, cough, and bloody hemoptesis and a preliminary diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) two weeks after cesarean section. Neither perfusion scintigaphy nor Doppler sonography test of lower extremities and pelvis showed any evidence of PE or deep venous thrombosis. Echocardiography revealed features of left ventricular failure. A diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy was made, appropriate treatment was administered and the patient improved. Conclusion: It is possible to misdiagnose peripartum cardiomyopathy with PE. Echocardiography is a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis. As a noninvasive procedure, it should be performed at the bedside as soon as possible to introduce proper treatment and to avoid potentially fatal errors.
