Aetiopathogenesis of peripartum cardiomyopathy: prolactin–selenium interaction?

The aetiology of peripartum cardiomyopathy is unknown. Fragmentary evidence from the published literature are synthesised to suggest a hypothesis that prolactin–selenium interactions resulting in selenium deficiency and/or autoimmunity are responsible for peripartum cardiomyopathy. This hypothesis best explains the various known facts about the disease. The possible link between prolactin and selenium should be explored.