Ricerc@Sapienza

Introduction: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare and idiopathic form of dilated cardiomyopathy presenting late in pregnancy or early postpartum. Since the 16-kDa fragment of prolactin has been identified as a key factor in the pathophysiology of PPCM, prolactin inhibitors have been used as an adjuvant to standard heart failure treatment. Although bromocriptine is the current first choice, promising results have been reported with cabergoline, albeit scant.

Pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications are rare clinical conditions that can lead to significant maternal morbidity and mortality. With the implementation of infertility treatment, a new selected population of woman can experience pregnancy. Women with multiple medical problems and women near or beyond menopause are now able to conceive. Despite many unanswered questions, clinicians should be prepared for the challenges and potential cardiovascular complications related to patients who are epidemiologically different than those seen in the past.