[Myocardiopathies during pregnancy. Possible role of beta-mimetics]

The authors report two cases of severe non-obstructive cardiomyopathy presenting at the end of pregnancy in young women treated for long periods and at high dosage with beta 2-adrenoceptor stimulants, prescribed for threatened abortion or premature labour. The circumstances of the presentation, the clinical prescribed for threatened abortion or premature labour. The circumstances of the presentation, the clinical picture and the course towards complete recovery suggest that this might be a pathological process different from "cardiomyopathy of pregnancy" and be an "adrenergic myocarditis" induced or made worse by these drugs. The authors deduce some simple preventive measures.