Severe pre-eclampsia masquerading as peripartum cardiomyopathy in an emergency cesarean section: a challenge to the perioperative physician

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare and unusual form of cardiac failure of unknown etiology that is observed in late pregnancy or early postpartum. Although the complete pathogenesis of PPCM is not completely understood, the signs and symptoms are similar to those of left-ventricular heart failure. PPCM is diagnosed in a parturient woman only after other causes of cardiac failure have been ruled out. Its management is similar to that of congestive heart failure. This report describes the role of an anesthesiologist in the postoperative management of a parturient woman who was admitted with severe preeclampsia and developed pulmonary edema and heart failure in the postoperative period necessitating management in the ICU. Subsequently, PPCM was diagnosed and managed successfully. The diagnosis of PPCM is challenging and requires a high index of suspicion by the perioperative physician. Routine medical management in the form of digoxin, diuretics, vasodilators, β-blockers, and anticoagulants should be the first step but may also require vasoactive drugs and circulatory support. Future pregnancies are generally avoided in such patients.