Navigating Cardiovascular Risks: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy and Stroke
Xhelili Malbora1,2*, Zekja Ilirjana2,3, Konda Majko Eliverta4, Rroji Arben5 and Kruja Jera2,3
1 Neurologist, Regional Hospital Center “Shefqet Ndroqi”, Albania.
2 University of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tirana, Albania.
3 Neurologist, UHC “Mother Teresa”, Neurology Service, Tirana, Albania.
4 Cardiologist, UHC “Mother Teresa”, Neurology Service, Tirana, Albania.
5 Neuroradiologist, UHC “Mother Teresa”, Neuroradiology Service, Tirana, Albania.
*Corresponding Author: Xhelili Malbora, Neurologist, Regional Hospital Center “Shefqet Ndroqi”, Albania.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOANE.2024.05.0157
Received: October 20, 2024 Published: December 03, 2024
Abstract
Background: Postpartum cardiomyopathy, also known as peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), is a rare cause of stoke in young women. PPCM is defined as new-onset heart failure without an apparent cause between the last month of pregnancy and the fifth month post-partum. Risk factors include multiple parity, advanced maternal age, multiple gestation, preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, smoking, alcoholism, malnutrition, and long standing endometriosis.
Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 34-year- old woman, who was admitted to the hospital three months after the birth of her second child with dyspnea that rapidly progressed to cardiac asthma. One week later, was admitted to the Neurology Department with acute left hemiparesis and speech impairment.
Results: The MRI revealed a wedged-shaped hypodensity affecting the gray and white matter of the right anterior temporal and parietal lobes, a feature suggestive of hemodynamically right- sided acute ischemic stroke.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of a collaborative multidisciplinary team clinical approach to further evaluate and appropriately treat patients with PPCM secondary to stroke.
Keywords: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, Women, Stroke, Interprofessional Team Members
Citation: Malbora X, Ilirjana Z, Eliverta KM, Arben R, Jera K. Navigating Cardiovascular Risks: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy and Stroke. SVOA Neurology 2024, 5:6, 253-257. doi. 10.58624/SVOANE.2024.05.0157
