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Preeclampsia and Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

BRIEF REPORTS
in a 24-Year-Old Woman

Katie Fellner, MS1; Shawn Skarpnes, MD2


1
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
2
Department of Family Medicine, Baton Rouge General Hospital, Baton Rouge, LA

peripartum cardiomyopathy driven by the un-


ABSTRACT
derlying mechanism of elevated systemic vas-
cular resistance. It also proposes an association
Herein we report the case of a 24-year-old wom- of peripartum cardiomyopathy with increased
an who presented with gestational hypertension gestational body mass index (BMI).
and a history of preeclampsia with a previous
pregnancy as well as a family history of
preeclampsia and eclampsia. She subsequently
INTRODUCTION
developed a definitive preeclampsia with pro-
teinuria in the 30th week of gestation, which ne-
cessitated a caesarian delivery. Two weeks post- Preeclampsia affects 4.6 percent (95% confi-
partum the patient developed dyspnea with bi- dence interval [CI] 2.7-8.2) of pregnancies
lateral pulmonary infiltration and was hospital- worldwide.1 The criteria for the diagnosis of
ized for an atypical pneumonia. After comple- preeclampsia include an elevated blood pressure
tion of an antibiotic course she continued to ex- occurring after 20 weeks of gestation and pro-
perience dyspnea and orthopnea and ultimately teinuria (≥0.3 g of protein in a 24-hour urine
developed systolic heart failure with an ejection sample, a protein (mg/dL):creatinine (mg/dL)
fraction of 30%. Following treatment with di- ratio of ≥ 0.3 or a 1+ dipstick).2 In patients with
uresis and rate control, she greatly improved. new onset hypertension, signs of end organ dam-
This case demonstrates the importance of close age may be substituted for proteinuria to make
monitoring of patients with atypical preeclamp- the diagnosis of preeclampsia. In most cases
sia by a primary care and coordinated specialties symptoms develop before 34 weeks of gesta-
team. It demonstrates a sequential progression tion. Early-onset preeclampsia occurs in 10% of
of worsening hypertension, preeclampsia, and patients and is associated with an increased mor-
bidity to the mother and fetus, increasing the risk
Corresponding Author: Katie Fellner, MS, LSU Health Sciences
Center School of Medicine, 533 Bolivar St # 511, New Orleans, of fetal death greater than five-fold and increas-
LA 70112. ing the risk of perinatal death/severe neonatal
Email: sfell1@lsuhsc.edu
morbidity sixteen-fold.3,4 Our patient presented
The authors claim no conflicts of interest or disclosures.
AMSRJ 2015; 2(1):103-111
with atypical signs of preeclampsia at 25 weeks
http://dx.doi.org/10.15422/amsrj.2015.05.015 of gestation but did not meet definitive criteria

AMSRJ 2015 Volume 2, Number 1 105


PREECLAMPSIA AND PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY

until 30 weeks of gestation, at which point deliv- home blood pressures, 6/10 migraine with bilat-
ery was induced due to the development of pla- eral visual scotomas, unremitting abdominal
cental insufficiency and intrauterine growth re- pain, 2+ pitting pedal edema, 1+ facial and hand
BRIEF REPORTS

striction. Preeclampsia presentation is highly edema, and trace urine protein. The patient’s
variable and a high index of suspicion for devel- weight had continued to increase, now measur-
opment during the third trimester must be main- ing 219 pounds as compared to a pre-pregnancy
tained, especially in the setting of multiple risk weight of 180 pounds. She was noted to have
factors as was the case for our patient.5 gained 12 pounds within the last 2 weeks. Fundal
Preeclampsia may lead to eclampsia, the devel- height was 26 cm and fetal heart tones were in
opment of tonic-clonic seizures and coma dur- the range of 140 beats per minute. At that time
ing delivery that can result in fetal and/or mater- the patient was started on labetalol 100 mg and
nal demise. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a referred to a perinatologist.
form of systolic heart failure which affects
1/1300-4000 live births.6 Cardiomyopathy can An ultrasound conducted at 29 weeks revealed a
develop in a small subset of preeclampsia cases; single fetus in a vertex position with an estimat-
it is important to consider this etiology in the ed weight of 2 pounds, 9 ounces (less than 5% of
setting of pulmonary infiltration consistent with normal fetal growth). As previous scans had re-
transudative versus exudative fluid.7 If untreat- vealed the fetus to be at the 25th percentile for
ed, peripartum cardiomyopathy can lead to atrial growth, intrauterine growth restriction became a
or ventricular arrhythmia, thromboembolism, or primary concern. The ultrasound also revealed a
sudden cardiac death. An involved and mindful posterior, premature grade III placenta with ex-
primary care and coordinated specialties team is tensive basal calcifications and a chorionic plate
essential to the successful case management of interrupted by indentations, a finding which
the preeclamptic patient. could lead to placental insufficiency. The pa-
tient was admitted at that time for preeclamptic
evaluation and received a course of beclometha-
sone to expedite fetal lung maturity in anticipa-
CASE PRESENTATION tion of premature delivery. Labetolol was in-
creased to 200 mg.

A 24-year-old African American woman first At 30 6/7 weeks of gestation, the patient present-
presented at 19 weeks gestation to clinic after an ed to the ED with headache, scotomata, and
emergency department (ED) visit for abdominal blurred vision. She was found to have a blood
pain and a blood pressure of 190/90 mmHg (Ta- pressure of 160/110 mmHg and 2+ proteinuria.
ble 1). Upon initial presentation she was nor- Perinatology noted that her amniotic fluid vol-
motensive and not experiencing pain. The pa- ume was decreased markedly, with an amniotic
tient had a positive family history of preeclamp- fluid index (AFI) of 6.5 cm as compared to
sia and eclampsia; her mother had an eclamptic 7.9cm-27.3 cm from 15-40 weeks gestation.8 At
episode and miscarriage of twins within a span this time it was noted the patient was experienc-
of five normal pregnancies. The patient’s first ing irregular contractions. Pelvic examination
pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia, confirmed cervical dilation of 1-2 cm. After in-
requiring induction at 36 weeks of gestation. creasing labetolol to 300 mg, the amniotic fluid
volume improved to an AFI of 9 cm. However
The patient continued to return for prenatal vis- the fetal biophysical profile score was 6, with no
its and at 28 weeks presented with elevated evidence of fetal breathing, including in re-

106 AMSRJ 2015 Volume 2, Number 1


PREECLAMPSIA AND PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY

Weeks%Gestational%Age%(WGA) Pre3pregnancy 19%WGA 20%WGA 25%WGA 27%WGA 28%WGA 29%WGA 30%WGA 7%days%post3partum 10%days%post3partum 30%days%post3partum
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Weight%(pounds) 180 204.8 207.2 219 219 219 219 201.4 202.9 200.86
Vital%Signs %% %%%%%%%BMI 32.9 37.5 37.9 40.1 40.1 40.1 40.1 36.8 37.1 36.8
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Blood%Pressure%(mm%Hg) 190/90 126/84 118/83 132/89 162/93 129/83 160/110 165/130 163/111 122/78
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Hear%Rate%(beats/minute) 109 97 83 110 94 124 127 98

BRIEF REPORTS
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Respiratory%Rate%(breaths/minute) 18 22 20 18 18 18 23 18
Fetal %% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Fundal%Height%(cm) 18 18 25 26 26 28 28
Monitoring%%%%%%Fetal%heart%tones%(beats/minute) 140 150 150 140 140 140 140
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Urine%Protein trace trace negative negative trace trace 2+ Trace
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Serum%Creatinine 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
%Lab%Results%%%%%Platelets%(per%mm^3) 278 288 268 288 268 480 437 384
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Alanine%Aminotransferase%(IU/L) 17 15 12 40 26 30 18
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Aspartate%Aminotransferase%(IU/L) 34 16 18 31 16 25 15
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Brain%natriuretic%peptide%(pg/mL) 268.1 397
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%E/A%Ratio 1.2 1.5
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Pulmonary%Arterial%Pressure%(mmHg) 25 30 40
Imaging %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Mitral%E3F%slope%(mm/s) 70 217 100
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Left%Ventricular%Ejection%Fraction%(%) 70 60 30
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%LV%wall%thickness%(cm) 1.2 1.1 1.1
headache,;mild; 6/10;migraine,; headache,; orthopnea,;dyspnea,; dypsnea 4;pillow;orthopnea,;2+;
pedal;edema scotomata,;2+; scotomata,; crackles lower;extremity;edema,;
pitting;pedal; blurred; dypsnea;on;exertion;after;
Clinical%Signs edema,;1+;facial; vision walking;50;feet,;jugular;
and;hand;edema; venous;distension,;
bilateral;basilar;crackles,;
S3;gallop
labetolol;100;mg,; labetolol;200;mg,; labetolol; amoxicillin/clavulani furosemide;40mg,;
Perinatology; beclomethasone;12.5; 300;mg c;acis;875;mg;for;10; lisinopril;5;mg,;metoprolol;
referral mg;IM;Q12,;amoxicillin; days,;naproxen;500; 25;mg,;albuterol;90;mcg;as;
Treatment for;10;days; mg;every;8;hours needed

Table 1. Vital Signs, Fetal Monitoring, Laboratory Results, Imaging, Clinical Signs, and Treatment in Pre- to Postpartum Period !

sponse to fetal acoustic stimulation. The umbili- Based on clinical signs and radiology, peripar-
cal artery resistance was also found to be elevat- tum cardiomyopathy was a concern and the pa-
ed with a systolic/diastolic blood flow ratio of tient was sent to the cardiology outpatient clinic
3.66 (greater than 3 at ≥28 weeks of gestation for echocardiography. The patient, however, did
predicts a high risk of adverse outcome).9 Fetal not present to the cardiology clinic for follow-
heart rate remained stable; however, the patient up.
was induced to deliver given the heightened
concern for complications. During induction Three days later, the patient presented to the ED
with oxytocin, late decelerations of fetal heart with a complaint of dyspnea, subjective fever,
rate were noted, and an emergency C-section and chills. She was found to have an uncompen-
was warranted. A male infant weighing 1260 g
(2.77 pounds) was safely delivered. He had an
Apgar score of 8 with healthy respiration and
circulation. The patient was seen by her family
practitioner 7 days post-partum for inspection of
the incision site. The patient also complained of
shortness of breath and right chest pain. Upon
auscultation the patient was found to have crack-
les in the right middle lobe base, orthopnea, and
continued expectoration of a clear, milky white
fluid from her lungs. A chest radiograph demon-
strated a consolidation in the right middle lobe
suspicious for pneumonia versus pulmonary
edema. The cardiac silhouette demonstrated a
heart that had enlarged to greater than half of the Figure 1. Chest radiograph demonstrating right middle lower
width of the thorax at its widest point (Figure 1). lobe pulmonary infiltration and concurrent cardiomyopathy.

AMSRJ 2015 Volume 2, Number 1 107


PREECLAMPSIA AND PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY

sated respiratory alkalosis with a pH of 7.5, nificant dyspnea on exertion after walking less
pCO2 of 24, bicarbonate of 18, pO2 of 67 and a than 50 feet as well as significant paroxysmal
hemoglobin saturation of 92.7. She also had an nocturnal dyspnea with 4-pillow orthopnea. She
BRIEF REPORTS

extremely elevated d-dimer of 2.21 µg/mL (nor- had a cough productive of white sputum but no
mal values= <0.5 µg/mL), an increased platelet complaint of fever or chills. Upon physical exam
count of 480/mm3, an elevated troponin of 0.05 she had apparent jugular venous distension and
ng/mL, and a slightly elevated chloride of 110 bilateral basilar crackles but did not have wheez-
mEq/L. Uric acid was also elevated at 7.7 mEq/ ing or rhonchi. Cardiovascular exam revealed an
L, which could indicate renal dysfunction due to S3 gallop and 2+ lower extremity edema. A
systemic shock. The patient continued to have a chest radiograph showed a mildly enlarged car-
decreased O2 saturation on exertion. diovascular silhouette with diffuse bilateral
airspace opacities. The patient was admitted to
Sputum gram stain showed elevated polymor- the hospital, referred to a cardiologist, and was
phonuclear cells and moderate respiratory flora started on furosemide 40mg.
while chest radiography continued to display the
right middle lobe consolidation. The patient was The echocardiogram completed the next day
treated with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and demonstrated mild tricuspid regurgitation, trace
naproxen; she continued to improve while hos- pulmonary insufficiency with a pulmonary arte-
pitalized. The patient’s respiratory symptoms rial pressure of 40 mmHg, and moderate mitral
resolved with treatment of the atypical pneumo- regurgitation with an ejection fraction of 30%.
nia, and she was discharged three days later. At that time she was diagnosed with systolic
Echocardiogram at this time found trace tricus- heart failure exacerbation of peripartum car-
pid regurgitation and trace pulmonary insuffi- diomyopathy and started on a beta blocker.
ciency with a pulmonary arterial pressure of 30
mmHg. The mitral valve E-F slope was 217 mm/
sec and the D-E separation was 22 mm indicat-
ing a mild to moderate mitral valve regurgitation DISCUSSION
with an E/A ratio of 1.5. The left atrium was
found to be enlarged at 4.2 cm (normal range
1.9-3.8 cm). Left ventricular ejection fraction at Preeclampsia results in uteroplacental hypoxia,
this time, however, was preserved at 60%. an imbalance in angiogenic and anti-angiogenic
proteins, oxidative stress, maternal endothelial
Thirteen days later the patient presented to her dysfunction, and elevated systemic inflamma-
primary care practitioner for follow-up of the tion (Figure 2).10,11 It is accompanied by in-
pneumonia. After completing the antibiotic creased sensitivity of the maternal vasculature to
course, the patient continued to experience dys- pressor agents leading to vasospasm and hypop-
pnea and cough exacerbated by the supine posi- erfusion of multiple organs. Microthrombi de-
tion. She reported expectorating a clear fluid velop from the activation of the coagulation cas-
from the lungs and was tachypneic. She was then cade. Vasodilation results in plasma leakage,
referred to a pulmonologist to follow-up for causing edema. The pathogenesis is thought to
pneumonia and investigate alternative causes of arise from placental insufficiency secondary to
the dyspnea. failure of the trophoblast to invade the my-
ometrium. There is decreased placental secre-
Eight days later the patient presented to the pul- tion of the vasodilatory and growth factors
monology clinic. At that time she reported sig- adrenomedulin, prostacyclins, thromboxane

108 AMSRJ 2015 Volume 2, Number 1


PREECLAMPSIA AND PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY

with her first pregnancy (increases the risk 7-


fold; relative risk 7.19, 95% CI 5.85-8.83), fami-
ly history of preeclampsia (mother with history

BRIEF REPORTS
of eclampsia), blood pressure >130/80 mmHg at
the first prenatal visit, BMI >26, and black
race.13 Our patient presented with an atypical
preeclampsia, with early clinical signs in the ab-
sence of diagnostic criteria and then rapid devel-
opment of a definitive early-onset preeclampsia
at 30 weeks gestation, which has a particularly
bad prognosis.3 This development highlights the
importance of close monitoring in patients with
preeclampsia risk factors which may not present
Figure 2. Hypertrophic decidual vasculopathy and infarction of spiral with the classic criteria for preeclampsia diagno-
placental arteries in preeclamptic placental tissue.12 Hematoxylin &
eosin (H&E) stain, 100x magnification. sis.

Systolic heart failure can result from decompen-


A2, and vascular endothelial growth factor sation of a dilated left ventricle which had previ-
(VEGF). The expression of the angiotensin I re- ously maintained normal ejection fraction by in-
ceptor is increased, resulting in a decrease in creasing left ventricular end diastolic pressure
nitric oxide and increase in endothelin-1, caus- and end diastolic volume. The elevated systemic
ing an increase in maternal systemic vascular vascular resistance becomes an afterload that the
resistance in an attempt to improve placental left ventricle can no longer approximate, and
perfusion.3 Inflammatory mediators such as tu- eventually the ejection fraction can no longer be
mor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 are maintained. Mitral valve regurgitation results
also secreted which drive maternal hyperten- due to chamber dilation, and an early diastolic
sion, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative filling S3 may be heard. The elevation of sys-
stress. Cerebral edema and hypertension can re- temic vascular resistance that occurs in
sult in the seizures and coma of eclampsia. preeclampsia can contribute to the development
of peripartum cardiomyopathy. As the pressure
Our patient did not meet the definitive criteria in the left ventricle increases, it is transmitted to
for the diagnosis of preeclampsia before 30 the pulmonary veins and lungs, resulting in fluid
weeks of gestation. She had elevated blood pres- transudation into the alveolar spaces and pul-
sures which elicited clinical signs of hyperten- monary edema. Alveolar macrophages that en-
sion such as headache, scotomata, and pul- gulf transudated erythrocytes and proteins are
monary edema, which are considered signs of termed “heart failure cells” (Figure 3).14 The
severe preeclampsia beginning at week 25.9 She phenomenon of excess pulmonary arterial pres-
presented with worsening hypertension sure elicits pulmonary edema, particularly in the
throughout gestation superimposed upon a postpartum period in the preeclamptic patient.
background of chronic hypertension but did not Our patient did develop an elevated pulmonary
present with signs of end organ damage such as arterial pressure of 40 mmHg at thirty days post-
platelet count <100,000/uL, serum creatinine partum, which contributed to the systolic heart
>1.1 mg/dL, or liver transaminases twice the failure.15 In addition to this mechanism, there is
normal concentration. She did have certain risk evidence that other factors play a role. Systolic
factors for preeclampsia, such as preeclampsia strain was found to be depressed in preeclamptic

AMSRJ 2015 Volume 2, Number 1 109


PREECLAMPSIA AND PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY

This fortunate outcome highlights the impor-


tance of close monitoring and integrated conti-
nuity of care among the primary care and spe-
BRIEF REPORTS

cialty consulting physicians of the treatment


team. Awareness of potential risks and compli-
cations can allow for rapid diagnosis and prompt
treatment. Prophylaxis against seizures during
Figure 3. Hemosiderin-laden heart failure cells in bronchoalveolar delivery is of the utmost importance and would
lavage fluid.15 H&E stain, 40x magnification. have prevented morbidity to the mother and fe-
tus in less closely monitored situations.

patients compared to pregnant women with non- Obesity and an elevated BMI are associated with
proteinuric hypertension with similar resting an increased risk for preeclampsia.17 Prenatal
blood pressure.16 counseling for lower calorie diets and moderate
exercise before and during pregnancy may help
It is important to consider the etiology of peri- decrease the severe risks of gestational hyper-
partum cardiomyopathy in patients presenting tension and preeclampsia to mother and fetus.
with pneumonia-like vs. transudative symp- The importance of awareness among physicians
toms. Our patient was treated ten days post-par- of the risks of these clinical features in healthy-
tum for pneumonia with only normal respiratory appearing gravid young women, as well as con-
flora cultured. It was atypical, possibly caused tinuity among primary and specialty care
by an imbalance of normal flora within the pul- providers is the key to a safe pregnancy for wom-
monary interstitium and a nidus for infection en with preeclampsia.
created by the presence of excess basilar fluid.
The patient’s dyspnea did not resolve upon com-
pletion of an antibiotic course. At that time, mild
cardiomegaly was noted on chest x-ray and a LEARNING POINTS
cardiogenic pulmonary edema was investigated.
Thirty days post-partum the patient was noted to
have clinical signs of heart failure. A diuretic • Acute on chronic hypertension in pregnant
was started and the patient’s clinical features im- women should be closely monitored due to
proved markedly. She then developed moderate the potential late-term development of
mitral regurgitation, mild tricuspid regurgita- preeclampsia.
tion, pulmonic insufficiency, and an ejection
• Development of peripartum cardiomyopa-
fraction of 30%. The ejection fraction during
thy, which can present with respiratory dis-
and after pregnancy had previously been pre-
tress, is a risk associated with preeclampsia.
served at or above 53%. The patient’s brain na-
triuretic peptide (BNP) was elevated to 397 pg/ • Preeclampsia is associated with intrauter-
mL at 31 days post-partum, supporting the diag- ine growth retardation that may necessitate
nosis of systolic heart failure. preterm delivery and intrapartum seizure
The patient’s development of systolic heart fail- prophylaxis.
ure in conjunction with preeclampsia through-
out the pregnancy was unexpected but promptly
treated with rapid amelioration of symptoms.

110 AMSRJ 2015 Volume 2, Number 1


PREECLAMPSIA AND PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY

7. Steegers EA, Von dadelszen P, Duvekot JJ, Pijnenborg R. Pre-


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS eclampsia. Lancet. 2010;376(9741):631-44.

8. Maulik D, Yarlagadda P, Youngblood JP, Ciston P. The diagnostic

BRIEF REPORTS
efficacy of the umbilical arterial systolic/diastolic ratio as a screening
The authors would like to acknowledge the as- tool: a prospective blinded study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990;162
(6):1518-23.
sistance of Dr. Brian Schulte, Dr. Duane Neu-
mann, Dr. Stephen Brierre, Dr. Lance Lamotte, 9. Hypertension in pregnancy. Report of the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Task Force on Hypertension in
Dr. Wayne Gravois, Dr. Vincent Shaw, Dr. Bri- Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;122(5):1122-31.
an Benson, and Dr. Kevin Reed in the treatment
10. Mustafa R, Ahmed S, Gupta A, Venuto RC. A comprehensive review
of this patient and provision of documents. of hypertension in pregnancy. J Pregnancy. 2012;2012:105918.

11. Eiland E, Nzerue C, Faulkner M. Preeclampsia 2012. J Pregnancy.


2012;2012:586578.

12. Courtesy of Dr. Beverly Ogden, Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge,


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