High prevalence of viral genomes and inflammation in peripartum cardiomyopathy

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Aug;193(2):363-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2005.01.022.

Abstract

Molecular pathologic investigation of endomyocardial biopsy specimens from 26 patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy revealed viral genomes (parvovirus B19, human herpes virus 6, Epstein-Barr virus, and human cytomegalovirus) in 8 patients (30.7%) that were associated immunohistologically with interstitial inflammation. These findings indicate a high prevalence of virus-associated inflammatory changes in peripartum cardiomyopathy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiomyopathies / virology*
  • Cytomegalovirus / genetics
  • Endocardium / virology
  • Female
  • Genome, Viral
  • Heart / virology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / genetics
  • Humans
  • Myocarditis / virology
  • Parvovirus B19, Human / genetics
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / virology*
  • Puerperal Disorders / virology*