Aortic Disease in Pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy represents a unique physiologic period, with significant implications on the cardiovascular system (Wanga S, Silversides C, Dore A, Can J Cardiol 32:78–85, 2016). Although rare, aortic disease is a known potential complication of pregnancy. Aortic dissection and rupture can be of particular concern for pregnant women with underlying connective tissue disorders (Kamel H, Roman MJ, Pitcher A, and Devereux RB, Circulation 134:527–33, 2016). In the next chapter, we will explore aortic disease in pregnancy, including pathophysiology, epidemiology, and specific conditions. We will pay particular interest to aortic dissection and rupture, given the increased incidence in pregnancy, and the devastating potential consequences.