Clinical management of gravid women with peripartum cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is an important cause for idiopathic heart failure associated with pregnancy. Current evidence suggests a potential role for myocarditis in the pathogenesis of this disease. About 3% to 4% of these patients present before delivery. Another group of patients with prior history of this disease request information about pregnancy prognosis. This article focuses on current concepts about peripartum cardiomyopathy and presents a reasonable approach to this clinical challenge during pregnancy.