Cardiovascular Imaging and Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Obstetrics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasingly common in women of childbearing age.
• CVD is now the primary cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.
• Optimal cardiology care for pregnant patients relies on cardiovascular imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review hemodynamic and structural cardiovascular changes during pregnancy.
• To examine the role of various cardiovascular imaging modalities in pregnant patients.
• To highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each imaging technique.

Main Methods:

• Review of hemodynamic and structural changes in pregnancy.
• Analysis of cardiovascular imaging techniques: echocardiography, cardiac MRI, CT, and coronary angiography.
• Discussion of the application and limitations of each modality.

Main Results:

• Pregnancy induces significant hemodynamic and structural changes in the cardiovascular system.
• Echocardiography, cardiac MRI, CT, and coronary angiography have distinct roles in managing pregnant patients with CVD.
• Each imaging modality offers unique advantages and disadvantages for risk assessment and management.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular imaging is essential for managing pregnant women with CVD.
• Understanding imaging modalities aids in accurate risk stratification and treatment.
• Tailored imaging approaches improve maternal and fetal outcomes in CVD.