Bromocriptine treatment associated with recovery from peripartum cardiomyopathy in siblings: two case reports

• Main Authors: Drexler Helmut, Sliwa Karen, Podewski Edith, Labidi Saida, Meyer Gerd, Hilfiker-Kleiner Denise
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2010-03-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/4/1/80

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare form of cardiomyopathy, with heterogeneous presentation occurring in women between one-month antepartum and six months postpartum. It carries a poor prognosis and a high risk of mortality.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report the development of peripartum cardiomyopathy in two sisters, 27- and 35-year-old African women, one of whom presented with a large left ventricular thrombus. Subsequently, both patients were treated with bromocriptine, heparin and standard therapy for heart failure (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers and diuretics). During follow-up, the left ventricular thrombus observed in one patient degraded. Neither patient experienced a thrombotic event, and both experienced continuous improvements in cardiac function and New York Heart Association stage.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The development of peripartum cardiomyopathy in two sisters indicates that there may be a genetic basis for this type of cardiomyopathy, and that women with a positive family history for peripartum cardiomyopathy may have an increased risk of developing the disease. This is also the first report of a patient experiencing degradation of a large left ventricular thrombus under standard therapy for heart failure with bromocriptine. It suggests that the use of bromocriptine in association with adequate anti-coagulation and heart failure therapy may be beneficial and safe.</p>