EM: RAP - January 2021 - By Rebecca Bavolek and Mel Herbert
"PEARLS
- Aortic dissection in pregnancy is rare, and often accompanied by traditional risk factors such as hypertension, collagen vascular disease or bicuspid aortic valve.
- In pregnancy, Stanford Type A dissection is more common.
- The incidence increases throughout pregnancy; it is most common in the 3rd trimester and the postpartum period
- Clinical features of the presentation are no different than in non-pregnant patients.
- Diagnosis is by CT or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).
- Management consists of heart rate and blood pressure control. Surgical consultation may also be advised depending on type of dissection."
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