Peripartum cardiomyopathy and thrombotic complications.

We would like to thank Biteker et al. [1] for their interest and positive and constructive comments regarding our case [2]. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCMP) is a life-threatening clinical condition in which thromboembolic complications are frequent. Both the prothrombotic status of pregnancy and stasis as a result of heart failure may lead to thromboembolic complications [3]. The incidence of PPCMP and cardiac thrombus in literature is very variable. In one study, the incidence was reported to be 17%, while another study indicated 30% [4, 5]. It has even been reported in previous studies that up to 53% of cases of PPCMP have thromboembolism [6, 7]. In conclusion, the exact incidence of these patients is not known since they are both rare and could be diagnosed as a result of thromboembolic complications such as pulmonary embolism or ischemic stroke [8].

The decision of anticoagulant therapy in PPCMP patients is still controversial, and the patient’s compliance, the degree of heart failure, and other clinical conditions should be taken into account when deciding on anticoagulant therapy [8].