Peripartum cardiomyopathy in the era of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: first results and perspectives.
Résumé
Peripartum cardiomyopathy etiopathology is heterogeneous. Physiopathologic mechanisms can be classified in two groups regarding to their association or not with myocardial inflammation. By distinguishing inflammatory and non-inflammatory forms of peripartum cardiomyopathy, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can be helpful at initial presentation to consider appropriate physiopathologic hypothesis and to guide both further etiologic investigations and therapeutic strategy. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging could also find its place in prognostic stratification, by assessing left ventricular size, function and contractile reserve. Regarding to these diagnostic and prognostic considerations, we propose to systematically perform cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in case of peripartum cardiomyopathy, both at the acute stage and later in follow up, in order to better understand and manage peripartum cardiomyopathy.