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Updated: Mar 14, 2026

Porcine Model of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: November 21, 2019
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.
Purpose Of Review:
During pregnancy, cardiac disease is the most important cause of maternal mortality, with aortic disease being the most important contributor. This review describes the impact of pregnancy, risk stratification for and the management of aortic diseases during pregnancy and delivery.
Recent Findings:
The most common aortic diseases with an increased risk of complications during pregnancy are genetic syndromes such as Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, vascular Ehlers-Danlos, Turner syndrome and bicuspid aortic valve. The key management of aortic dilatation consists of prepregnancy counseling, including imaging of the entire aorta and preventive treatment when indicated. The possible treatment options for aortic dissection during pregnancy are medication and surgical treatment. Percutaneous interventions are associated with a high risk.
Summary:
The heterogeneity of aortic diseases underlines the need for an individual risk assessment and management. A dedicated plan for diagnosis, management, follow-up, labor and delivery should be formulated by an experienced multidisciplinary team.
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