Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Question 1

What is peripartum cardiomyopathy?

Answer 1

Dilated cardiomyopathy almost always during 3rd trimester or in the first few months postpartum.

Question 2

What is the cause of peripartum cardiomyopathy?

Answer 2

Multifactorial; some studies have identified an autoantibody-mediated process.

Question 3

What are common symptoms of peripartum cardiomyopathy?

Answer 3

Gradually worsening shortness of breath on exertion (LHF finding at minimum); depending on severity, possible JVD, and significant pitting edema (RHF findings)

Question 4

How does peripartum cardiomyopathy behave in subsequent pregnancies?

Answer 4

Tends to get worse with each subsequent pregnancy.

Question 5

How is peripartum cardiomyopathy diagnosed?

Answer 5

Transthoracic echo looking for low ejection fraction.

Question 6

What question is often asked regarding maternal/fetal risk in subsequent pregnancies?

Answer 6

How to determine degree of maternal/fetal risk in subsequent pregnancies.

Question 7

What is the answer to determining maternal/fetal risk in subsequent pregnancies?

Answer 7

Transthoracic echo (looking for EF).

Question 8

If the EF is already significantly low, what can be expected in subsequent pregnancies?

Answer 8

It will only be worse subsequently.