[Hemodynamic study of peripartum cardiopathy following compensation of heart failure].

PURPOSE: To assess hemodynamic characteristics of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy under standardized conditions of clinical compensation of heart failure, and more than 3 months after the end of the gravidic period.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Fourteen patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy underwent left and right cardiac catheterization, under rest condition. Cardiac output was measured by the Fick method, left ventricular ejection fraction determined by contrast ventriculography, and the coronary circulation was studied angiographically.

RESULTS

The hemodynamic pattern observed was variable, with 28% of the cases showing low right and left ventricular filling pressures, normal LV ejection fraction, and normal or even elevated cardiac output, with low pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance.

CONCLUSION

Although the mechanisms responsible for such peculiar hemodynamic characteristics, have not been elucidated, it is likely that they are associated with more benign prognosis, as compared to other patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy, who show the low-output failure commonly seen in cases of dilated cardiomyopathy.