A review of peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare form of cardiomyopathy, of unknown aetiology, which is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. It is characterised by the presentation of heart failure, within a month of delivery and up to 5 months post-partum, secondary to left ventricular impairment. It is essentially a diagnosis of exclusion and can only be made in the absence of any other demonstrable cause. One of the most challenging areas is in pre-natal counselling, when a woman wishes to undertake a further pregnancy, because recovery of left ventricular function gives no guarantee of safety.
James
P Rachael
PR
Cardiothoracic Centre, St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London, UK. rachael.james@virgin.net
D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors