Abstract
Introduction Autosomal dominant Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (AD-EDMD) is rare compared with
other forms of muscular dystrophy and is characterized by cardiac conduction defects.
Here, we present the case of a patient diagnosed with AD-EDMD during the first trimester
of pregnancy who developed acute preeclampsia and subsequently, congestive heart failure
(CHF) following cesarean section.
Case A 36-year-old, gravida 0 para 0 woman was diagnosed with AD-EDMD by genetic testing
during the first trimester of pregnancy, and she suddenly developed preeclampsia and
partial HELLP (hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome
at 33 weeks of gestation. The patient subsequently developed CHF following cesarean
section.
Conclusion CHF can occur as a direct result of the cardiac defects arising due to EDMD, and
therefore, careful prenatal and postpartum management is recommended for such cases.
Keywords
Emeri–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy - preeclampsia - congestive heart failure - HELLP
syndrome
