Baris L, Cornette J, Johnson MR, Sliwa K, Roos-Hesselink JW. Peripartum cardiomyopathy: disease or syndrome?
HEART (BRITISH CARDIAC SOCIETY) 2019;
105:357-362. [PMID:
31693481 PMCID:
PMC6613742 DOI:
10.1136/heartjnl-2018-314252]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare form of pregnancy-associated heart failure and is considered to be a diagnosis of exclusion. There are many hypotheses on the aetiology of PPCM; however, the exact pathophysiological mechanism remains unknown. It shows many resemblances to other conditions, such as familial dilated cardiomyopathy or myocarditis, and therefore it can be hard to make a definite diagnosis. We describe four cases of peripartum-onset heart failure in women who were suspected of having PPCM. We discuss the differential diagnosis, pathophysiological mechanisms and various diagnostic modalities.
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