Aortic disease and pregnancy

Lidia R Bons1, Jolien W Roos-Hesselink

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Insights

Pregnancy poses significant risks for women with aortic diseases, a leading cause of maternal mortality. Early risk assessment and multidisciplinary management are crucial for improving outcomes in pregnant patients with aortic conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cardiac disease is a primary cause of maternal mortality during pregnancy.
  • Aortic diseases significantly contribute to cardiovascular complications and mortality in pregnant individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of pregnancy on aortic diseases.
  • To outline risk stratification strategies for aortic diseases during pregnancy.
  • To describe management approaches for aortic diseases in pregnant patients and during delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on aortic diseases in pregnancy.
  • Analysis of genetic syndromes associated with increased aortic risk.
  • Evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • Common genetic syndromes (Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, Ehlers-Danlos, Turner, bicuspid aortic valve) increase pregnancy risks.
  • Management includes pre-pregnancy counseling, aortic imaging, and preventive treatment for dilatation.
  • Medication and surgery are options for aortic dissection; percutaneous interventions carry high risks.

Conclusions:

  • Individualized risk assessment and management plans are essential due to disease heterogeneity.
  • Multidisciplinary teams should create tailored plans for diagnosis, management, and delivery.
  • Proactive management improves maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by aortic disease.
Abstract

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