An unusual case of peripartum cardiomyopathy manifesting with multiple thrombo-embolic phenomena

Uzoma N. Ibebuogu, John W. Thornton, Guy L. Reed

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare form of heart failure with a reported incidence of 1 per 3000 to 1 per 4000 live births and a fatality rate of 20%-50%. Onset is usually between the last month of pregnancy and up to 5 months postpartum in previously healthy women. Although viral, autoimmune and idiopathic factors may be contributory, its etiology remains unknown. PPCM initially presents with signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure and rarely with thrombo-embolic complications. We report an unusual case of PPCM in a previously healthy postpartum woman who presented with an acute abdomen due to unrecognized thromboemboli of the abdominal organs. This case illustrates that abdominal pain in PPCM may not always result from hepatic congestion as previously reported, but may occur as a result of thromboemboli to abdominal organs. Further research is needed to determine the true incidence of thromboemboli in PPCM.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number18
JournalThrombosis Journal
Volume5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 29 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology

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