Korean J Crit Care Med.  1997 Nov;12(2):177-182.

Anesthesia for Cesarean Section in Two Pregnant Women with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A report of two cases

• Kang YI
• Cho KS
• Kim SY
• Kim MH
• Lee HS

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is defined as the onset of acute heart failure without demonstrable cause in the last trimester of pregnancy or within the first 6 months after delivery. Mortality from PPCM ranges from 25% to 50% and cause of death is usually chronic congestive heart failure or thromboembolic complications. We experienced 2 patients with PPCM. One was a twin pregnant woman and PPCM was developed after cesarean section. In the other case, PPCM was combined with aspiration pneumonia in the preterm labor patient. They were treated with diuretics and cardiotonic drugs and recovered to normal cardiac function within 7 to 10 days. Prognosis is related to recovery of left ventricular function, which usually occurs within 6 months postpartum. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of PPCM improve outcome.

Keyword

Complications; aspiration pneumonia; pulmonary edema. Pregnancy; cesarean section; peripartum cardiomyopathy

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia*
Cardiomyopathies*
Cardiotonic Agents
Cause of Death
Cesarean Section*
Diuretics
Early Diagnosis
Female
Heart Failure
Humans
Mortality
Obstetric Labor, Premature
Peripartum Period*
Pneumonia, Aspiration
Postpartum Period
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Trimester, Third
Pregnant Women*
Prognosis
Ventricular Function, Left
Cardiotonic Agents
Diuretics