Cardiovascular Imaging During Pregnancy in Women with Congenital and Valvular Heart Disease

AbstractPurpose of ReviewCongenital heart disease is a common cardiovascular pathology encountered in pregnant women. Simultaneously, more women with native valvular disease are diagnosed and managed earlier, thus having the opportunity to pursue childbearing. Imaging the pregnant cardiovascular patient is key to the successful management of both populations. In this review, we highlight the indications, advantages, limitations, and guidelines involved with imaging a pregnant patient with congenital and valvular heart disease.Recent FindingsThe potential clinical benefits of imaging this population must be weighed against the maternal and fetal risk that is present in advanced imaging modalities, which is described in current ACC/AHA, STS, and ESC guidelines. Transthoracic echocardiography remains the cornerstone of cardiovascular imaging in pregnancy, which begins with initial risk stratification. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging adds important prognostic and treatment guidance, particularly in complex congenital and aortic diseases. This review highlights suggested intervals of risk stratification, serial echocardiographic imaging, and nuances of the indications for further examination with studies such as exercise stress testing, transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and cardiac computed tomography when indicated.SummaryWith a multidisciplinary team-based approach, most women with congenital or valvular heart disease can be managed through...

Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - July 17, 2023 Category: Radiology Source Type: research