Peripartum cardiomyopathy: approach to management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM).

RECENT FINDINGS: PPCM is pregnancy-associated myocardial disease that occurs during pregnancy or postpartum and is characterized by the development of heart failure due to marked left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. The disease is relatively uncommon, but its incidence is increasing, and it remains an important cause of cardiac-related maternal morbidity and mortality in previously healthy young women. With early diagnosis and treatment, the majority of the patients demonstrate recovery.

SUMMARY: The review provides information on the clinical presentation, prognosis and contemporary management of PPCM as well as the approach to subsequent pregnancies, labor and delivery and long-term psychological consequences of the disease.