From labor and delivery to left ventricular assist device: A peripartum cardiomyopathy case report.

OBJECTIVE

To report a peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) case resulting in the implantation of a permanent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as destination therapy.

METHOD: Electronic medical record and literature review surrounding PPCM.

RESULTS

A 39-year-old African America female of 38 weeks gestation presented to labor and delivery triage complaining of lower extremity edema and shortness of breath. Evaluation yielded an ejection fraction of 20-25% with left ventricular dilation, cardiomegaly, and interstitial edema. Following delivery, the patient experienced respiratory distress and was transferred to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) where she was stabilized and discharged. Within four weeks, the patient experienced sudden cardiac arrest requiring intubation, induced hypothermic treatment, and intravenous vasopressor and inotrope support. The patient was transferred out of CICU and discharged home with close outpatient follow-up in the heart failure clinic before urgently receiving a LVAD.

CONCLUSION

PPCM is a life-threatening and life-changing condition requiring highly specialized interdisciplinary care.