title: Peripartum cardiomyopathy.
abstract: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is an uncommon condition of unknown aetiology. Diagnosis requires exclusion of other causes of congestive cardiac failure and the demonstration of global ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography. Treatment consists od diuretics, vasodilators, digoxin and anticoagulants. Prognosis is related to recovery of ventricular function. The availability of cardiac transplantation has improved the outlook for those with persistent dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nepean hospital, Penrith, New South Wales.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ladwig
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fischer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006332:Cardiomegaly; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D013318:Stroke Volume; D018754:Ventricular Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology