Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report of Mortality From a Rare and Potentially Fatal Condition

• Published in: Journal of medical cases 2024-08, Vol.15 (8), p.171-179
• Main Authors: Perea Rojas, Diana Marcela, Seni Hernandez, Christian David, Rojas Torres, Indiana Luz, Olivares Olmos, Marianela, Garcia Jarava, Camila Maria, Gaivao Arciniegas, Dario Jose, Seni Hernandez, Sebastian Andre, Corrales Calderon, Luis Miguel, Perea Vasquez, Luis Enrique, Salva Camano, Silvia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case Report
• ISSN: 1923-4155; 1923-4163
• DOI: 10.14740/jmc4228

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.