A Question for the Doctor

[mae3057]

Hello DR.
I haven't been to this website in awhile but I've asked a few questions over the past 6 months. Heres the problem
After delivery I was very tired alittle weakness in legs and after my 1st cycle a ocean of symptoms appeared the shortness of breathe, spontaneous chest pains, dizziness for 7 years constantly not (vertigo) and the sunshine drained the life out of me...so I went to at least 13 doctors,ER's and so on and so on. I went to the cardiologist back in July said function was 40-45% then went up to 70% with stress test he came to the conclusion of PPCM after I suggested it, he just agreed??? The problem is I didn't have the typical problems that PPCM claim no fluid in lungs, no swelling in extremities, Just heart function weakness. This is the question I think I've been misdiagnosed I've had so many tests and this is what has been discovered----
Elevated liver enzymes -----since resolved
Keytones in urine-------151?
Positive lupus anticoagulant
Neg-ANA Neg-DNA
Normal MRI
Blood counts normal

Going to a rheumatologist next week for remaining lupus tests.
Could lupus cause the heart problem after delivery appearing like it was PPCM? Thanks MAE

[JAMESFETT]

It's difficult to sort out all the possibilities. PPCM can be very mild, sometimes missed. The fact that your LV EF was 45 and subsequently improved to 70 is the strongest evidence that you did indeed have PPCM, which may have a variety of underlying causes. Importantly, you are now functioning normally. I expect that to continue. The one future event that could impact your situation is a subsequent pregnancy. If you have concerns for sorting things out again, you might consider a consultation with PPCM specialists in your area. Although lupus could cause a dilated cardiomyopathy, the course in lupus cardiomyopathy is not to recover completely. Furthermore, your ANA screen is currently negative. Best regards,

JD

[mae3057]

Thank you for your response. Where would I located a specialist for PPCM in my area?

MAE

[JAMESFETT]

from Indiana, consider Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, Dr. Joseph Murphy. I am sure there are numerous experts in the Chicago area, but I am not sure of them? Perhaps Serena, administrator of PPCM would be able to show you others in the amh.org registry.

JD