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Peripartum cardiomyopathy: A puzzle closer to solution
James D Fett, Investigations of Pregnancy Associated Cardiomyopathy (IPAC), Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Network of North America (PCN), Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
James D Fett, Department of Adult Medicine, Hospital Albert Schweitzer, Deschapelles, Haiti
Author contributions: Fett JD solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: James D Fett, MD, Department of Adult Medicine, Hospital Albert Schweitzer, Deschapelles, Haiti, c/o 2331 Mt. Hood Ct. SE, Lacey, WA 98503, United States. fett.sprunger@comcast.net
Telephone: +1-360-4385270
Received: November 20, 2013
Revised: December 28, 2013
Accepted: February 16, 2014
Published online: March 26, 2014
Revised: December 28, 2013
Accepted: February 16, 2014
Published online: March 26, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: The purpose of this review is to highlight the important advances that have brought us nearer to the solution of this puzzle, focusing on what we have learned about peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) since 2000; and what still remains unanswered. There have been many improvements in outcome. Increased understanding of the pathogenesis of PPCM is detailed herein; however, we still do not know the actual triggers that initiate the pathological process; but realize that cardiac angiogenic imbalances resulting from complex pregnancy-related immune system and hormonal changes play a key role.