Diagnosis of asymptomatic aortic dissection during pregnancy using contrast echocardiography

Spontaneous aortic dissection in pregnancy is rare and life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus. It is commonly associated with connective tissue disorders or aortic valvular abnormalities. We describe a case of a hypertensive pregnant woman in whom a dilated ascending aorta was identified in a routine transthoracic echocardiogram. Careful interrogation of the ascending aorta, with the use of intravenous contrast, revealed the presence of a type A aortic dissection flap. The particulars of the case are presented and the literature regarding acute aortic dissection in pregnancy is reviewed. <Learning objective: Challenges in diagnosis of aortic dissection in pregnancy.>.