Objective: Analysing the characteristics of ultrasonographic manifestation for peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), and discussing its diagnostic criteria.
Method: Echocardiographic examination in 20 PPCM and 20 normal volunteers (NC) was completed with Acuson 128 computed sonography.
Results: All 20 PPCM showed an enlargement in the left ventricle and left atrium. Left ventricular end diastolic anterio-posterior diameter was 65.4 +/- 4.5 mm, left atrium end systolic anterio-posterior diameter was 43.1 +/- 6.1 mm. There was a very significant difference in left atrium and ventricle size between PPCM and NC (P < 0.001). Among 20 PPCM, there were enlargements of the right atrium in 6 cases, of the right ventricle in 8 cases and 20% cardiomegaly. All patients showed decreased left ventricular wall movement. Ejection fraction (0.33 +/- 0.08) and fraction shorting (16.2 +/- 5.0%) were significant different with that of NC (P < 0.001). The regurgitation rate in the heart valvae was MR 100%, TR 70%, PR 70% and AR 15% respectively.
Conclusion: The ultrasonographic manifestation of PPCM was not specific, so the diagnosis of PPCM depended on peripartum history, left atrium and ventricle enlargements or cardiomegaly, decreased left ventricular function based on ruling out of other heart diseases.