Successful treatment of severe myocardial failure after postpartum haemorrhage with the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump

We report a 29-year-old primigravid who developed cardiac failure following postpartum haemorrhage unresponsive to volume resuscitation and therapy wi th catecholamines and phosphodiesterase-inhibitors. Transoesophageal echoca rdiography (TEE) demonstrated left atrial and ventricular dilatation and gl obal left ventricular hypokinesis. No elevation of serum MB-isoenzyme fract ion was detected and other organ functions remained stable. Although emerge ncy cardiac transplantation was considered in the presented patient, the in stitution of intra-aortic counterpulsation was decided on as a first treatm ent option. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation rapidly improved cardiac function and led to weaning from pharmacological cardiac support within a f ew days. Mechanical circulatory assist devices can be life-saving in postpa rtum-haemorrhage-associated cardiac failure.