Emergent caesarean section under mechanical circulatory support for acute severe peripartum cardiomyopathy

Publication date: June 2018Source: Journal of Cardiology Cases, Volume 17, Issue 6Author(s): Takeshi Mikami, Hitoshi KamiuntenAbstractPeripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an idiopathic left ventricular dysfunction in women who are in late pregnancy or the postpartum period. PPCM is a rare but sometimes fatal disease, and mechanical circulatory support is required if heart failure is refractory to conventional therapy. A 28-year-old woman in late pregnancy was admitted to our hospital due to congestive heart failure with cardiogenic shock. Her heart rate was 200 beats per minute (sinus tachycardia), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 10%. Additionally, fetal heart rate decreased to 80 beats per minute. It was extremely difficult to continue her pregnancy because of decompensated heart failure and fetal asphyxia; therefore, we delivered her baby via caesarean section after initiating mechanical circulatory support. With optimal medical therapy, including bromocriptine, we were able to remove mechanical circulatory support. Additionally, LVEF improved to 42%, and she was discharged with her baby who had no growth failure. This case highlights the safety and risk of caesarean section under mechanical circulatory support, and the effectiveness of bromocriptine.<Learning objective: Mechanical circulatory support is occasionally required if heart failure is refractory to conventional medical therapy in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Mechanical circulatory suppor...

Source: Journal of Cardiology Cases - July 10, 2018 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research