A Case of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare idiopathic condition that affects pregnant women from their last month of gestation up to five months of their postpartum period. Its symptoms are similar to those of a heart failure, which mimic the exaggerated physiological symptoms of pregnancy. In Saudi Arabia, there is only one study that, so far, reported cases of obscure peripartum cardiomyopathy. Here, we discuss a case of this rare condition. A young pregnant lady was admitted with anemia and premature contractions. Two days later, she developed an acute heart failure. Her echocardiography test confirmed a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The secondary causes of heart failure were then excluded. A diagnosis for peripartum cardiomyopathy was made, and the patient was treated accordingly. Peripartum cardiomyopathy in pregnant women must be considered in cases of heart failure presented during such period.