The Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths (MBRRACE-UK) consistently identifies cardiac disease as the leading indirect cause of maternal mortality. Among cardiac causes, the MOST common specific cardiac lesion causing maternal death in the UK is:

• A Peripartum cardiomyopathy and aortic dissection/inherited cardiomyopathies ✓
• B Mitral stenosis from rheumatic heart disease
• C Pulmonary arterial hypertension
• D Coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction

Explanation

MBRRACE-UK reports consistently show that cardiomyopathies — particularly peripartum cardiomyopathy and inherited cardiomyopathies — and aortic dissection are the most common cardiac causes of maternal death in the UK. This contrasts with developing nations where rheumatic valvular disease predominates. Pulmonary arterial hypertension carries high maternal mortality but is less prevalent. Coronary disease is rising but less common than cardiomyopathy in the under-40 maternal age group.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.