Peripartum cardiomyopathy presenting as lower extremity arterial thromboembolism. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Although venous thromboembolism has been associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy, there have been no prior reports of lower extremity arterial thromboembolism complicating cardiac failure.


METHODS
A 38-year-old woman, gradiva 5, para 5, presented on postpartum day 9 with left pedal parasthesia. Lower extremity angiography found acute thrombotic emboli in the left popliteal artery, right tibial artery and right peroneal artery. When respiratory decompensation ensued, a transthoracic echocardiogram revealed global hypokinesis and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 30%. The patient had an uneventful recovery after treatment with digoxin, furosemide and intravenous heparin.


CONCLUSIONS
Lower extremity arterial thromboembolism may be the initial manifestation of peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Carlson
K M
KM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA 23708-2197, USA.
Browning
J E
JE
Eggleston
M K
MK
Gherman
R B
RB
D000328:Adult; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left