Peripartum cardiomyopathy: Case report

Systolic heart failure which develops in the last month of pregnancy or within five months following childbirth is an important hallmark of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a type of dilated cardiomyopathy. Despite being identified in the 1800s, the exact cause of PPCM remains uncertain. The incidence of peripartum cardiomyopathy in India is estimated to be 1 in 453 to 1 in1340 live births. However, because its symptoms mimic those of a typical pregnancy and postpartum period, diagnosing it can be difficult due to its high mortality rate and PPCM can have serious consequences if it is misdiagnosed or delayed.

In our case report, we present a patient who developed shortness of breath since past 1 week associated with orthopnea after a spontaneous delivery. After careful evaluation, we identified the symptoms as heart failure resulting from peripartum cardiomyopathy. The treatment approach included symptomatic measures employing diuretics, ACE inhibitors and HMG Co A reductase inhibitors, Anti platelets. Fortunately, mechanical cardiac support was not necessary, and the signs of heart failure improved within three weeks. Furthermore, during the follow-up period of one year, the patient's left ventricular clot returned to normal, maintaining a positive state of health.