Peripartum cardiomyopathy and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
associated cardiomyopathy: case series and review of literature
Abstract
Purpose: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare
complication of pregnancy manifesting with acute cardiac failure.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be complicated by
cardiomyopathy, which can be difficult to differentiate from PPCM. The
aim of this publication is to investigate different outcomes of cases
with cardiomyopathy during pregnancy. Methods: Here, we report
4 peripartum cases with COVID-19 and acute cardiac failure due to
cardiomyopathy. Moreover, to find previous similar cases, a
comprehensive review on PPCM and COVID-19 associated cardiomyopathy was
conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar.
Results: Out of 4 cases we had, two cases deceased and one
became a candidate for heart transplant. Despite advanced diagnostic
approaches, differentiating COVID-19 associated cardiomyopathy from PPCM
was challenging. According to the literature review, 7 cases with
similar conditions were found. Conclusion: Pregnant women with
COVID-19 may develop acute cardiac failure associated with PPCM or
COVID-19 associated cardiomyopathy or both. This condition may be deadly
due to rapid disease progression, atypical manifestations, and limited
treatment options.