Comparative study of peripartum cardiomyopathy and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy MRI

Objective: To characterize the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) features of peripartum cardiomyopathy(PPCM) and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM), and to explore the value of MRI in the diagnosis of PPCM. Methods: Ten cases of PPCM and 10 cases of Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) were included in this study. With 1.5 T MRI scanner, the heart shape (atrioventricular size, hypertrabeculation, thickness of the thinnest ventricular wall), function (ventricular wall movement and the overall function), cardiomyopathy perfusion were comprehensively evaluated. Paired samples t-test and Fisher exact probability method were used for statistical analysis. Results: Between PPCM and IDCM group, there was no statistical significant difference in the atrioventricular size, cardiac output(CO), end diastolic volume(EDV), ejection fraction (EF), end systolic volume (ESV) and stroke volume (SV) (P>0.05). IDCM and PPCM group both showed ventricular wall thinning on MRI, with 4 cases of PPCM and 3 cases of IDCM presenting hypertrabeculation in the left ventricular apex. Seven cases of PPCM and 4 cases of IDCM depicted left ventricular local dysfunction, while 3 cases of PPCM and 6 cases of IDCM had abnormal integral movement. Two cases of PPCM appeared local delayed enhancement, while 4 cases of IDCIVI showed intramural delayed enhancement. After one year of follow-up, heart function recovered in 10 cases of PPCM and 4 cases of IDCM. Conclusions: MRI diagnosis using multiple sequences is an ideal method in the evaluation of PPCM. Although there were no differences in cardiac morphology and function between PPCM and IDCM, the prognosis of PPCM is better than IDCM.