A woman delivers at term and is discharged home on day 3. On postpartum day 10 she returns with headache, visual blurring, BP of 168/112 mmHg, and 3+ proteinuria. She had a completely normotensive antenatal course. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A Late postpartum pre-eclampsia ✓
- B Chronic hypertension unmasked postpartum
- C Postpartum eclampsia with cerebral venous thrombosis
- D Gestational hypertension persisting after delivery
Correct answer: A. Late postpartum pre-eclampsia
Explanation
Late postpartum pre-eclampsia is defined as new-onset pre-eclampsia occurring from 48 hours after delivery up to 4 to 6 weeks postpartum in a woman who was previously normotensive. It typically presents with headache and visual symptoms. The key discriminator against option B is her documented normotensive antenatal course, which rules out pre-existing chronic hypertension.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.