16 fold higher risk of cancer with peripartum cardiomyopathy

16 fold higher risk of cancer with peripartum cardiomyopathy

German cancer registry (Robert-Koch-Institute) data has shown a 16 fold risk of cancer in those with peripartum cardiomyopathy [1]. According to the report 21 of 236 patients had cancer, of which 12 had cancer diagnosed before peripartum cardiomyopathy. 11 of them had cardiotoxic chemotherapy. Of these, 17% fully recovered cardiac function compared to 55% of peripartum cardiomyopathy patients without cancer. Of the 10 patients who developed cancer after peripartum cardiomyopathy, 80% had left ventricular ejection fraction of 50% or more after cancer therapy. Authors mention that the high prevalence could be due to genetic factors. They suggested genetic testing and screening for heart failure in pregnant women who had cancer and screening for cancer in women who had peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Reference

1. Pfeffer TJ, Schlothauer S, Pietzsch S, Schaufelberger M, Auber B, Ricke-Hoch M, List M, Berliner D, Moulig VA, König T, Arany Z, Sliwa K, Bauersachs J,  Hilfiker-Kleiner D. Increased Cancer Prevalence in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol CardioOnc. 2019;1(2):196–205.