CMR features of peri-partum cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Results Out of a total of 6823 patients, 16 were initially diagnosed with PPC. Two of these were excluded (one patient had her scan one year following delivery and a second patient was found to have severe 3 vessel coronary artery disease). The remaining 14 patients were 30 ± 5.6 years of age. CMR was performed 15 ± 16.7 (range 3 to 54) days post partum. Mean systolic blood pressure was 119 ± 23 mmHg and heart rate was 80 ± 21 beats per minute. Pertinent measures of left ventricular function included an ejection fraction of 36 ± 12% and cardiac index of 3.4 ± 0.8 L/min/ m2. 12/14 (86%) had an increased left ventricular end diastolic volume index (range 101-192; normal 55-103 ml/m). Left ventricular mass index was within normal limits in 11/14 (79%) patients. Left ventricular end systolic wall stress index was abnormal in all but one patient (70 ± 18.5 103 N/m2, normal <45 103 N/m2).