Post-partum dilated cardiomyopathy in anti-phospholipid positive woman

Abstract

Recurrent fetal loss and pregnancy complications, especially severe early-onset preeclamp sia, are frequently associated with anti-phospholipid antibodies. We report a case of post- partum cardiac involvement leading to dilated cardiomyopathy in a woman with a persistent positivity for anti-cardiolipin and anti-nuclear antibodies. Her clinical and obstetric record reported two previous fetal losses but no other signs characteristic of the anti-phospholipid syndrome or diagnostic for a systemic lupus erythematosus. Post-partum cardiomyopathy might be another cardiac presentation of the anti-phospholipid syndrome, in addition to the well known valvular involvement. In patients with persistent positivities for anti-phospholipid antibodies, a prompt identification of such a complication in the post- partum period should be taken into account by physicians. Adequate cardiologic treatment associated with antiaggregant and steroid therapy might be useful to prevent further com plications in these patients.