Pregnancy and Aortic Dissections

Pregnancy and Aortic Dissections

Aortic dissection during pregnancy is a rare but life-threatening condition that can affect both the mother and the baby. It's the third most common cause of maternal death from cardiovascular disease.

Symptoms

Sudden, severe pain in the chest, upper back, or abdomen

Pain that radiates to the neck or down the back

Shortness of breath

Loss of consciousness

Risk factors

Marfan syndrome

Loeys-Dietz syndrome

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with aneurysm

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Turner syndrome

Aortic root enlargement

Increased circulating volume and cardiac output during pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy

Treatment:

Surgery

Medication, such as beta blockers

Prevention

Women with significant aortic dilatation should avoid pregnancy or have prophylactic aortic aneurysm surgery before conception

At-risk women should have preconception counseling to discuss risks and optimal management

Complications cardiac tamponade and shock.

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