[Peripartum cardiomyopathy--Obstetric emergency for mother and child]

This case report describes the diagnosis, treatment as well as maternal and fetal outcome of a pregnancy complicated by peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). The article demonstrates criteria that define peripartum cardiomyopathy using clinical and echocardiographic features. In absence of preexisting heart disease an acute left ventricular dysfunction of the mother led to fetal bradycardia and immediate delivery. We discuss possible causes, clinical management and long term outcome in respect of the available literature. Future pregnancies should be avoided with at least 50 % risk of recurrence.