Peripartum cardiomyopathy: two case reports and a review

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a myocardial disease of a dilatative (congestive) nature which typically presents in the last month of pregnancy or within the first 5 postpartum months. In the first case described, heart failure was noted prior to delivery, and complete recovery was achieved with early and aggressive management. Cardiomyopathy developed postpartum in the second case, with a fatal outcome. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are of paramount importance. Mortality is still high. Recent pathologic findings, methods of diagnosis and theories on etiology are discussed.