Peripartum cardiomyopathy mimicking COVID-19 infection

Abstract

A pregnant patient presented with fever and desaturation, without breathlessness. She was suspected to have COVID-19 but SARS-CoV-2 was negative. She developed fetal distress and underwent an uneventful Cesarean section. Postoperatively, she developed respiratory distress and needed mechanical ventilation support. The clinical features suggested COVID-19 infection and antiviral treatment were empirically initiated. Repeat SARS-CoV-2 was negative. Echocardiography, computed tomography scans, and biochemical investigations supported a diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy. She was successfully managed with decongestive therapy and could be discharged home on the fifth day.

Keywords

• pregnancy; peripartum cardiomyopathy; covid-19