[Peripartum cardiomyopathy. Clinical case series]

Abstract

We report a retrospective analysis of four cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy admitted, within a 10-year period, to the maternity hospital of Sousse. The age of the patients was over 30 years, two had gemellary pregnancies and two suffered toxaemia. Congestive cardiac failure, mainly of the left ventricle, with acute pulmonary oedema, was the main symptom. Chest X-ray showed a cardiothoracic index above 0.58 and echocardiography a left ventricular telediastolic diameter above 5.7 cm and a shortening ratio of 25% or less. Endomyocardial biopsy for ascertaining the diagnosis was not available. Treatment included bed rest, water and salt restriction, digitalis, a diuretic and an anticoagulant in case antepartum cardiomyopathy, a converting enzyme inhibitor and a diuretic in case of postpartum cardiomyopathy. Three patients recovered totally and in one echocardiography showed a persisting impaired left ventricular function. Five neonates had a favourable outcome and one foetus died in utero. Main problems raised by peripartum cardiomyopathy are discussed.