Coarctation of the abdominal aorta in pregnancy: diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging.
BACKGROUND
Coarctation of the aorta is rare, affecting one per 2000-3000 women. Abdominal coarctation is more commonly identified in women than in men, but only two cases have been reported in pregnancy.


METHODS
A 26-year-old woman was diagnosed with hypertension at 15 years of age. Her blood pressure was controlled adequately with beta-blockers. During her pregnancy, she was found to have coarctation of the abdominal aorta by magnetic resonance imaging.


CONCLUSIONS
Magnetic resonance imaging is a safe, reliable means by which to confirm clinically suspected coarctation of the aorta during pregnancy.
Dizon-Townson
D
D
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Magee
K P
KP
Twickler
D M
DM
Cox
S M
SM
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal; D001017:Aortic Coarctation / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists