[Illustrated literature review of peripartum cardiomyopathy]

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is defined by the development of heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction at the end of pregnancy or in the months following childbirth. Its diagnosis remains difficult due to lack of specificity. Its pathophysiology is still imperfectly understood, but involves both genetic and pregnancy related factors. From a therapeutic viewpoint, the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology on heart failure are used, but the stage of pregnancy must be taken into account for the treatment choice. The chances of recovery are greater than in other non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. However, an early diagnosis remains crucial to increase the probability of recovery particularly with bromocriptine, which has shown positive results in recent years.