PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY AND STROKE

In the United States, peripartum cardiomyopathy (PC) is an uncommon form of dilated cardiomyopathy, which, when associated with stroke, results in a high mortality rate. The estimated incidence of PC at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from 1/1/1976 to 7/1/1993 averaged only 1 out of every 8,135 deliveries. Of the total 5 cases diagnosed, only 1 presented with neurologic manifestations. Through the use of echocardiography, cine-computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, a large left ventricular mural thrombus in a diffusely hypokinetic heart was found. Newer cardiac imaging techniques are improving our ability to diagnose the cause of stroke in the younger population, including women in the peripartum period, allowing early institution of appropriate medical treatment and hopefully improving prognosis.