Key result
Prompt unfractionated heparin linked to recovery in a peripartum cardiomyopathy case with suspected pulmonary embolism.
Why the study?
Peripartum cardiomyopathy associated with pulmonary embolism is rare and life-threatening, and early symptoms mimic normal physiologic pregnancy changes, posing a diagnostic dilemma.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Highlights the diagnostic dilemma and successful management of peripartum cardiomyopathy complicated by possible pulmonary embolism using unfractionated heparin.
Anecdotal success warrants no practice change; leaves open the role of unfractionated heparin in peripartum cardiomyopathy pending controlled studies.
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.
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Gurung et al. (2023) conducted a case report in Peripartum cardiomyopathy complicated with possible pulmonary embolism (n=1). Unfractionated heparin was evaluated on Clinical recovery and survival. A 22-year-old primigravida with peripartum cardiomyopathy and suspected pulmonary embolism successfully recovered and survived following prompt administration of unfractionated heparin.
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