A rare case of peripartum cardiomyopathy posted for caesarean section

Abstract

Post Partum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a relatively rare form of heart failure associated with pregnancy. It was recognized first in the 19th century by Ritchie and is defined as the onset of acute heart failure in the last trimester or early post partum period in the absence of infections, metabolic, toxic, ischaemic or valvular causes of myocardial dysfunction. Prognosis depends on the degree of cardiomegaly at presentation and in the following 6 months. Initial high risk period carries a mortality of 25 to 50%. Keeping in mind the reduced contractility and ejection fraction with ventricular dilatation proceeding to cardiac failure, the anesthesiologist managing a case of PPCM faces the challenge of avoiding myocardial depression, hypovolemia and increased SVR, all of which may be hazardous

Keywords

• Anaesthesia; Obstetric; Complications; Cardiomyopathy