Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) poses a significant challenge in maternal health, characterized by heart failure with reduced ejection fraction during late pregnancy or early postpartum. Despite advances in understanding PPCM, it remains life-threatening with substantial maternal morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic challenges, management strategies, and outcomes associated with PPCM. A case report of a 29-year-old woman with PPCM is presented, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and tailored management. The patient\'s presentation was marked by atypical symptoms, including dysuria, lumbar pain, persistent fever, and oral intake intolerance. Despite aggressive medical intervention, the patient experienced a tragic outcome, succumbing to cardiopulmonary arrest within 48 h of admission. This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing PPCM, particularly when presenting with nonspecific symptoms and emphasizes the urgent need for improved diagnostic criteria and therapeutic interventions to mitigate adverse outcomes in affected individuals.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are not very uncommon in routine practice, but when associated with abruptio placentae and significant hypotension, survival of both child and mother becomes challenging. We report a case of a 20-year-old primigravida who presented in the gynecology emergency unit of our hospital with an ejection fraction of < 20%, severe preeclampsia with abruptio placentae leading to fetal demise, and renal failure in the immediate postoperative period. Challenges faced during decision making regarding the mode of delivery and grave concerns during intraoperative and postoperative periods are discussed. In this case, prompt termination of pregnancy, various point-of-care sonographic measurements, and post-operative emergency dialysis played vital roles in the complete recovery of this patient with a failing heart and grossly jeopardized hemodynamics. Hence, multidisciplinary team-based management is crucial for managing such cases to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity.

UNASSIGNED: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cause of heart failure associated with pregnancy without any other known cause. With a prognosis that can vary from the complete recovery of left ventricular function to maternal mortality as well as recurrence with subsequent pregnancies, early diagnosis and treatment of PPCM is important in management. Bromocriptine treatment is beneficial effects on LVEF and mortality in women with severe acute PPCM in addition to standard heart failure therapy. However, further study is required to establish its effect in PPCM.
UNASSIGNED: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cause of heart failure associated with pregnancy without any other known cause. Most of the clinical presentation is similar to symptoms of advanced pregnancy making the diagnosis difficult. Reported are three patients who developed dyspnea, orthopnea, and dry cough during the first week of puerperium. On examination, bilateral lower limb edema and bilateral basal lung crepitation were present in all patients. Chest radiograph showed pulmonary edema in cases two and three, and pleural effusion in case one. All patients had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and raised N-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. Case two developed PPCM in the background of left pyelonephritis. Case three was complicated by acute kidney injury. All patients were managed with bromocriptine, diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and fluid restriction. Hence, PPCM though rare should be considered as a differential in women presenting with features of heart failure in later months of pregnancy or within 5 months of delivery.

Myocarditis is a potentially fatal medical condition with varied etiologies. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) refers to systolic dysfunction occurring toward the end of pregnancy or in the months following delivery; it is a diagnosis of exclusion. We present a patient with chest pain, bipedal edema, markedly elevated troponins, electrocardiogram (EKG) findings that were concerning for myocardial infarction, and a significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on the echocardiogram. The patient\'s presentation in the postpartum period closely resembled peripartum cardiomyopathy and presented a peculiar diagnostic challenge to our team. The right diagnosis was possible with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed late gadolinium enhancement. Additionally, the patient had positive Coxsackie B5 and Epstein Bar virus serologies. While the clinical course of the disease is often benign, it could rapidly deteriorate, so early recognition and diagnosis are important to ensure patients receive adequate therapeutic support.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disorder that generally affects the elderly multigravida females. It is a type of dilated cardiomyopathy that generally affects the last trimester of pregnancy or early postpartum period. Several risk factors are associated with the development of PPCM. Even though PPCM has greater morbidity, if managed promptly, it can be reverted with minimal morbidity or mortality. We present a case of a young woman, multigravida, with moderate anemia corrected, who was taken for emergency lower segment cesarean section, without previous cardiac evaluation, and ended up with pulmonary edema intraoperatively. Later on, her evaluation was done which came out to be PPCM. She was managed conservatively thereafter with no significant morbidity and a good maternal and perinatal outcome. We should be alert in diagnosing a case of PPCM with prompt treatment to reduce mortality. Cardiovascular conditions cause approximately 26 percent of pregnancy-related deaths which include valvular heart disease and congenital heart disease. Appropriate diagnosis and management are necessary for preventing mishaps.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disorder in which left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure symptoms occur during the peripartum period. Inhibition of prolactin secretion by bromocriptine mediates beneficial effects on cardiac function in PPCM. Mental disorders are also associated with the onset of PPCM. Psychiatric medications for mental disorders would affect serotonin production and tryptophan and dopamine metabolism, and they are associated with PPCM. Conversely, bromocriptine affects psychiatric symptoms; therefore, the treatment of PPCM complicated by mental disorders using bromocriptine may be difficult. Herein, we report cases of two patients with PPCM and mental disorders successfully treated with bromocriptine therapy. The first case involved a 33-year-old woman with a history of atypical depression and anxiety disorder, who developed PPCM with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 19 %. The second case was that of a 42-year-old woman with a history of bipolar and panic disorders who developed PPCM with an LVEF of 18 %. Both patients were administered bromocriptine; however, psychiatric symptoms did not worsen and cardiac function improved. We also review the literature on the relationship between PPCM and mental disorders.
UNASSIGNED: Mental disorders and psychiatric medications may be associated with the onset of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Although bromocriptine has beneficial effects on PPCM, it has also been reported to increase the risk of worsening psychiatric symptoms; therefore, the efficacy and safety of bromocriptine in PPCM patients with mental disorders is controversial. Our cases showed that bromocriptine can be used safely without worsening psychiatric symptoms in PPCM with mental disorders.

BACKGROUND: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy-related condition characterized by left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure, typically occurring in the peripartum period. Individuals with a history of preeclampsia and hypertension are particularly prone to developing PPCM. Recent research suggests that the condition may be triggered by vascular dysfunction influenced by maternal hormones in the late stages of gestation. The onset of left heart failure results in decreased cardiac output, leading to insufficient perfusion, which in turn, contributes to pulmonary edema and exacerbates tissue hypoxia. This cardiovascular response activates the neurohumoral system, causing peripheral vasoconstriction and elevating both mean capillary filling pressure (MCFP) and central venous pressure (CVP). Early administration of furosemide reduces volume overload due to negative cumulative fluid balance gaining and vasodilation, which increases the velocity of intravascular refilling and causes interstitial edema to resolve. This will decrease interstitial fluid pressure, resulting in decreased mechanical compression to systemic capillary and systemic vein pressure, thus decreasing MCFP and CVP subsequently. Reduced CVP also contributes to increased venous return by decreasing the gradient pressure between MCFP and CVP, resulting in increased cardiac output (CO) and improved tissue oxygenation.
METHODS: A 33-year-old Asian woman, para 3 at full term pregnancy, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after c-section and tubectomy due to shortness of breath and palpitation. Based on history taking, physical examination and echocardiography the patient fulfilled the criteria of PPCM which was also complicated by pulmonary edema. Despite impending respiratory failure, the patient rejected intubation and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and was given oxygen supplementation through nasal cannula. Furosemide was given rapidly continued by maintenance dose and CVP was monitored. Antihypertensive drug, anticoagulants, and bromocriptine were also administered. After achieving negative cumulative fluid balance the patient\'s symptoms resolved and was discharged one week later.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a correlation between negative cumulative fluid balance and reduced central venous pressure after early furosemide therapy. Suspicion for PPCM should not be lowered in the presence of preeclampsia, it could delay appropriate treatment and increase the mortality.

UNASSIGNED: Prior exposure to cardiotoxic cancer therapies has been associated with an increased risk of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). The management of PPCM in this population remains a clinical challenge. Few studies have explored the use of mechanical circulatory support in PPCM. We present a case of early implementation of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy for acute stabilization and intrapartum support of PPCM.
UNASSIGNED: A 36-year-old G4P2103 (4th pregnancy, two full-term, one premature birth, 0 abortions, and three living children) woman at 26 weeks and 5 days gestation with history of combined peripartum and anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy [previously left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 10-15% and recently 40-45%] presented with acute decompensated heart failure. Her clinical status deteriorated with a drop in LVEF to 15-20% with a significant increase in pulmonary pressures and worsening mitral regurgitation. A multidisciplinary decision with the cardio-obstetrics team was made to place a pulmonary artery catheter for invasive haemodynamic monitoring and IABP insertion prior to delivery. Intra-aortic balloon pump support had a profound immediate decrease in her systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance allowing for a successful repeat caesarean delivery. Her haemodynamics remained stable after IABP removal and pulmonary pressures improved. She was discharged one week following her delivery on guideline-directed medical therapy.
UNASSIGNED: Our case highlights the use of prophylactic intrapartum IABP in combined anthracycline-induced and PPCM and begins to explore its safety and efficacy in this high-risk patient population.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) poses diagnostic and management challenges, while left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) provides crucial insights into myocardial function. This case series explores the significance of LV GLS imaging in diagnosing and managing PPCM. Three distinct cases of varying severity highlight the significance of LV-GLS in assessing myocardial function during the peripartum period. Each case exhibited varying degrees of cardiac impairment, with LV GLS serving as a sensitive indicator of dysfunction. Treatment response, closely monitored through LV GLS changes, emphasizes the importance of this imaging technique in evaluating therapy efficacy. The discussion underscores deviations from traditional management approaches, emphasizing the need for personalized strategies in PPCM. Nonetheless, the study\'s limitations stress the need for broader research to validate these findings across diverse populations and settings, as well as long-term follow-up of the patients who had persistence of abnormal global longitudinal strain values despite recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare heart condition affecting women during pregnancy or up to five months postpartum whose incidence has been rising in recent years. It is characterized by a weakened left ventricle, which impairs the heart\'s ability to pump blood effectively. Although the cause remains unknown, PPCM is a crucial consideration when evaluating heart failure in women of childbearing age. In this report, we present the case of a young and healthy woman who, despite lacking any identifiable risk factors, developed symptoms of systolic heart failure while undergoing an abortion during her second pregnancy, which occurred within five months of delivering her first child. After thorough investigations, a diagnosis of PPCM was established. Her treatment took place at a tertiary hospital, with regular follow-up appointments scheduled. Unfortunately, due to non-compliance with her prescribed medications, she subsequently developed a pulmonary embolism, adding another layer of complexity to her situation. This report showcases the critical role of early recognition and swift intervention in the patient\'s return to stability.