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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
08:04
Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
Maternal cardiac arrest in early pregnancy
E C M Nelissen1, C de Zwaan, M A E Marcus
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands. enel@sgyn.azm.nl, e.nelissen@mumc.nl
International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
|November 22, 2008
Summary
A pregnant woman experienced cardiac arrest and was diagnosed with dilated ischemic cardiomyopathy. She successfully delivered her baby via C-section and both mother and child had favorable outcomes, highlighting effective management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Pregnancy significantly alters cardiovascular physiology, increasing risks for women with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Maternal cardiac arrest during pregnancy presents complex management challenges, especially with a pre-viable fetus.
Observation:
- A primigravid woman at 18 weeks gestation suffered prolonged cardiac arrest.
- Diagnosis of dilated ischemic cardiomyopathy was established post-arrest.
- An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted for secondary prevention.
Findings:
- The patient underwent an elective cesarean delivery at 38 weeks gestation.
- Both mother and neonate experienced favorable outcomes.
- This case underscores the successful management of a high-risk pregnancy following maternal cardiac arrest.
Implications:
- Pregnancy can exacerbate underlying cardiac disease, necessitating careful monitoring and management.
- A multidisciplinary approach involving cardiology, obstetrics, and critical care is crucial for managing maternal cardiac arrest.
- Long-term neurodevelopmental assessment of newborns exposed to fetal hypoxia is essential.
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