Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Complicated with Possible Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy associated with pulmonary embolism is a rare life threatening complication of pregnancy. The early symptoms of peripartum cardiomyopathy in heart failure and pulmonary embolism mimic those of the normal physiologic changes of pregnancy, making a diagnostic dilemma. Hence, it is important to understand the principles of assessment of these conditions which mimic physiological symptoms of pregnancy. Here, we share our experience of a 22 year old, primigravida at 38 weeks of gestation with no comorbidities presented in obstetric emergency with two days history of shortness of breath and productive cough who survived from critical event following the start of unfractionated heparin infusion and other supportive treatment.