Effects of physiologic load of pregnancy on left ventricular contractility and remodeling

Echocardiographic Differences in Women Across Subtypes of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) can be classified into gestational hypertension, preeclampsia (PRE), and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia (SPE).

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine the echocardiographic differences in biventricular structure and function in 3 HDP groups of women in comparison to normotensive pregnant controls.

Methods

Women with an echocardiogram during or within the first year of pregnancy were identified within our integrated health network. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, malignancy, autoimmune disease, and structural heart disease.

Results

We identified a total of 706 subjects (cases: n = 427, normotensive controls: n = 279). Cases were divided into 3 groups: gestational hypertension (n = 57), PRE (n = 291), and SPE (n = 79). In adjusted analyses, echocardiographic parameters demonstrated a graded difference in left ventricular (LV) mass index, relative wall thickness, mitral inflow E, mitral inflow A, septal e', lateral e', E/e', left atrial volume index, tricuspid velocity, and lateral e' velocities with the most profound findings noted in the SPE group. Specifically, adjusted LV mass index (adjusted β = 14.45, 95% CI: 9.00-19.90) and E/e' (adjusted β = 2.97, 95% CI: 2.27-3.68) was highest in the SPE group in comparison to controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

LV remodeling and diastolic filling abnormalities are more common in HDP and are most evident in SPE and PRE. Echocardiography during or immediately after pregnancy may be useful in these high-risk women to identify these abnormalities. The long-term implications of these echocardiographic abnormalities require further study.

Evolution of myocardial hypertrophy associated with pregnancy in hypertensive women six months postpartum

BACKGROUND

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is one of the principal risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. When a hypertensive woman becomes pregnant, new hemodynamic condition is installed, with addition from chronic pressure overload to chronic volume overload. This new hemodynamic condition can provide greater myocardial hypertrophy(LVH), whose postpartum evolution has been little studied in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate LVH in hypertensive women in the third trimester of pregnancy and six months postpartum and to establish which clinical variables are associated with elevated risk of LVH.

METHODS

Prospective longitudinal study including 41 pregnant women beyond 35 gestational weeks and with previous SAH. They were submitted to clinical and echocardiographic evaluation at the gestational period and six months postpartum.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

multivariate logistic regression with the exposures most strongly associated with maintenance of hypertrophy in univariate analysis. Significance level:p<0.05.

RESULTS

The mean age was 29±6.2 years. The majority of the women were white(85.4%). Before pregnancy 23(59%) women used anti-hypertensive drugs and 28(71.8%) used during pregnancy. At the end of gestation, all women presented LVH, 79% maintained hypertrophy six months postpartum. In multivariate analysis, exposures significantly associated with hypertrophy maintenance: systolic blood pressure(SBP) at the end of gestation, OR=1.16(1.03-1.30);p=0.013 and SBP increase at six months postpartum in relation to end of gestation, OR=22.9(1.8-294);p=0.016.

CONCLUSIONS

In hypertensive pregnant women, LVH frequency is elevated at the end of pregnancy, and recovery frequency of this hypertrophy, at six months postpartum, is very low. The increase of SBP six months postpartum was associated with maintenance of hypertrophy.

Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of the Heart in Pregnancy-a position statement on behalf of the British Society of Echocardiography and the United Kingdom Maternal Cardiology Society

Pregnancy is a dynamic process associated with profound hormonally mediated haemodynamic changes which result in structural and functional adaptations in the cardiovascular system. An understanding of the myocardial adaptations is important for echocardiographers and clinicians undertaking or interpreting echocardiograms on pregnant and post-partum women. This guideline, on behalf of the British Society of Echocardiography and United Kingdom Maternal Cardiology Society, reviews the expected echocardiographic findings in normal pregnancy and in different cardiac disease states, as well as echocardiographic signs of decompensation. It aims to lay out a structure for echocardiographic scanning and surveillance during and after pregnancy as well as suggesting practical advice on scanning pregnant women.

A mathematical model of vascular and hemodynamics changes in early and late forms of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia-eclampsia syndrome is a leading cause of maternal mortality. The precise etiology of preeclampsia is still not well-defined and different forms exist, including early and late forms or preeclampsia, which may arise via distinctly different mechanisms. Low-dose aspirin administered at the end of the first trimester in women identified as high risk has been shown to reduce the incidence of early, but not late, preeclampsia; however, current risk factors show only fair predictive capability. There is a pressing need to develop accurate descriptions for the different forms of preeclampsia. This paper presents 1D fluid, solid, growth, and remodeling models for pregnancies complicated with early and late forms of preeclampsia. Simulations affirm a broad set of literature results that early forms of preeclampsia are characterized by elevated uterine artery pulsatility index (UA-PI) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) and lower cardiac output (CO), with modestly increased mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in the first half of pregnancy, with elevation of TPR and MAP beginning at 20 weeks. Conversely, late forms of preeclampsia are characterized by only slightly elevated UA-PI and normal pre-term TPR, and slightly elevated MAP and CO throughout pregnancy, with increased TPR and MAP beginning after 34 weeks. Results suggest that preexisting arterial stiffness may be elevated in women that develop both early forms and late forms of preeclampsia; however, data that verify these results are lacking in the literature. Pulse wave velocity increases in early- and late-preeclampsia, coincident with increases in blood pressure; however, these increases are mainly due to the strain-stiffening response of larger arteries, rather than arterial remodeling-derived changes in material properties. These simulations affirm that early forms of preeclampsia may be associated with abnormal placentation, whereas late forms may be more closely associated with preexisting maternal cardiovascular factors; simulations also highlight several critical gaps in available data.

Perioperative Anesthetic Management of the Pregnant Patient With Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Cardiac Intervention: A Systematic Review

Maternal congenital heart disease is increasingly prevalent, and has been associated with a significantly increased risk of maternal, obstetric, and neonatal complications. For patients with CHD who require cardiac interventions during pregnancy, there is little evidence-based guidance with regard to optimal perioperative management. The periprocedural management of pregnant patients with congenital heart disease requires extensive planning and a multidisciplinary teams-based approach. Anesthesia providers must not only be facile in the management of adult congenital heart disease, but cognizant of the normal, but significant, physiologic changes of pregnancy.

Diagnosed corrected transposition of great arteries after cesarean section: A case report

BACKGROUND

Corrected transposition of the great arteries (cTGA) is a cardiac malformation in which the ventricular and arterial-ventricular positions in the heart are doubly reversed. In general, this defect puts a load on the systemic circulation and causes heart failure, resulting in a poor prognosis. This article reports a case of cTGA detected in a patient with post-caesarean pregnancy who had undergone elective caesarean section and was experiencing an episode of acute heart failure.

CASE SUMMARY

This was the case of a 36-year-old gravida 3 para 1 woman. No problems were noted in the puerperal course following the previous pregnancy. The current pregnancy was also uneventful. An elective caesarean section was performed and the patient was discharged from the hospital 7 d after the operation. On postoperative day 18, the patient became aware of breathing difficulty and presented at a nearby clinic, where she was referred to our institution after bilateral pleural effusions were detected. She was then diagnosed with acute heart failure after noting the presence of a prominent pedal oedema and SpO₂ 91% (supine position and room air); the patient was promptly hospitalised for close examination and treatment. Although chest computed tomography revealed the presence of cTGA, no other cardiac malformations were observed. Owing to improvements in both the pedal oedema and pleural effusions, the patient was discharged on day 9.

CONCLUSION

Close examination should be performed on the premise of congenital cardiac malformation when heart failure symptoms are noted during perinatal control.

A mathematical model of maternal vascular growth and remodeling and changes in maternal hemodynamics in uncomplicated pregnancy

The maternal vasculature undergoes tremendous growth and remodeling (G&R) that enables a > 15-fold increase in blood flow through the uterine vasculature from conception to term. Hemodynamic metrics (e.g., uterine artery pulsatility index, UA-PI) are useful for the prognosis of pregnancy complications; however, improved characterization of the maternal hemodynamics is necessary to improve prognosis. The goal of this paper is to develop a mathematical framework to characterize maternal vascular G&R and hemodynamics in uncomplicated human pregnancies. A validated 1D model of the human vascular tree from the literature was adapted and inlet blood flow waveforms at the ascending aorta at 4 week increments from 0 to 40 weeks of gestation were prescribed. Peripheral resistances of each terminal vessel were adjusted to achieve target flow rates and mean arterial pressure at each gestational age. Vessel growth was governed by wall shear stress (and axial lengthening in uterine vessels), and changes in vessel distensibility were related to vessel growth. Uterine artery velocity waveforms generated from this model closely resembled ultrasound results from the literature. The literature UA-PI values changed significantly across gestation, increasing in the first month of gestation, then dramatically decreasing from 4 to 20 weeks. Our results captured well the time-course of vessel geometry, material properties, and UA-PI. This 1D fluid-G&R model captured the salient hemodynamic features across a broad range of clinical reports and across gestation for uncomplicated human pregnancy. While results capture available data well, this study highlights significant gaps in available data required to better understand vascular remodeling in pregnancy.

Pregnancy related changes in Doppler gradients and left ventricular mechanics in women with sub-valvular or valvular aortic stenosis

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study was to characterize echocardiographic changes during pregnancy in women with known LVOT obstruction or AS compared to the healthy pregnancy controls, and to assess the relationship with pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 34 pregnant patients with congenital LVOT obstruction or AS with healthy age-matched pregnant controls. Patients with other significant valvular lesions, structural heart disease (LVEF < 40%), or prior valve surgery were excluded. All LVOTO/AS patients underwent a minimum of two consecutive echocardiograms between 1 year pre-conception and 1 year postpartum, with at least two studies during the pregnancy. Comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation was performed including speckle-tracking LV global longitudinal strain.

RESULTS

A total of 83 echocardiograms from the study group and 34 echocardiograms from the control group were evaluated. Over the range of LVOTO/AS, a significantly greater increase in the AV gradients and LV and LA volumes were observed as compared with the controls. In the sub-group of LVOTO/AS pregnant women with ≥ moderate (n = 8) versus < moderate LVOTO/AS (n = 26), averaged 2^nd /3^rd trimester LVEF was lower (51 ± 12)% versus (58 ± 4)%, (p = 0.02) and GLS was lower (-19.5 ± 2.8) versus (21.2 ± 2.4), (p = 0.06). Pregnancy was well tolerated despite these changes.

CONCLUSION

Among pregnant women with even milder forms of LVOTO/AS, increases in cardiac volumes and AV gradients can be expected over the course of pregnancy. Significant decreases in LV function and mechanics were only observed in women with moderate or greater LVOTO/AS, although still remained in normal range.

Predictability of preoperative carotid artery-corrected flow time for hypotension after spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing caesarean section: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Spinal anaesthesia-induced hypotension is frequently reported in patients undergoing caesarean section. Mechanistically, sympathetic blockade reduces the systemic vascular resistance and the left ventricular preload, causing hypotension, which is augmented by aortocaval compression. The corrected blood flow time (FTc) is affected by the preload and is inversely related to the afterload.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesised that the preanaesthetic carotid artery FTc could predict hypotension after induction in patients undergoing a caesarean section with spinal anaesthesia.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study.

SETTING

A tertiary referral centre in South Korea from September 2018 to November 2019.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-eight parturients scheduled for elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.

INTERVENTIONS

Using carotid ultrasonography, FTc was measured twice prior to inducing spinal anaesthesia. FTc was calculated using both Bazett's (B) and Wodey's (W) formulae. Hypotension was defined as an SBP decrease to less than 80 mmHg, or less than 75% of baseline, or if symptoms consistent with hypotension occurred from the time of injection of the spinal anaesthetic until delivery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary endpoint was to determine the predictive value of preanaesthetic FTc for postspinal hypotension during caesarean delivery.

RESULTS

Among the 35 patients who completed this study, hypotension occurred in 21 (60%). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves for FTc (B) and FTc (W) were 0.905 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.757 to 0.978, P < 0.001] and 0.922 (95% CI, 0.779 to 0.985, P < 0.001), respectively. The optimal cut-off values for predicting hypotension were 346.4 and 326.9 ms, respectively. The grey zone for FTc (B) and FTc (W) included 40 and 14% of the patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Preanaesthetic carotid artery FTc was a reliable indicator of postspinal hypotension in parturients. Considering the grey zone, Wodey's formula is better than Bazett's formula.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03631329.

Effectiveness of a Virtual Exercise Program During COVID-19 Confinement on Blood Pressure Control in Healthy Pregnant Women

BACKGROUND

The situation caused by COVID-19 has led to movement restrictions for the majority of the population due to the confinement established by the health authorities. This new situation has changed people's habits and significantly affected the pregnant population. Decreased exercise and increased psychophysical stress are associated with excessive weight gain, diabetes, and gestational cardiovascular complications that affect the mother, fetus, and newborn. Recent research shows that the dynamics of maternal blood pressure is one of the most important control factors during pregnancy. Thus, prevention of these type of pathologies through interventions without maternal-fetal risks is important.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the influence of a virtual exercise program on maternal blood pressure during pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized clinical trial design was used (NCT04563065). Data from 72 pregnant women without obstetric contraindications under confinement conditions in the Madrid area were collected. Women were randomly assigned to the intervention (IG) or control group (CG). They previously signed informed consent forms. A moderate exercise program was performed as an intervention from 8-10 to 38-39 weeks of pregnancy. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) maternal blood pressure were measured during the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as well as before and immediately after delivery in both study groups.

RESULTS

No differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure during the first, second and third trimesters were found between groups. Significant differences in SBP were found immediately before delivery (IG = 119.83 ± 10.16 vs. CG = 125.6 ± 10.91; p = 0.047) and immediately after delivery (IG = 115.00 ± 11.18 vs. CG = 122.24 ± 15.71; p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

Results show lower SBP values for the IG during delivery than CG. A virtual exercise program throughout pregnancy during COVID-19 confinement can help to control systolic blood pressure before and immediately after delivery in healthy pregnant women.

Pregnancy-induced Cardiovascular Pathologies: Importance of Structural Components and Lipids

Pregnancy leads to adaptations for maternal and fetal energy needs. The cardiovascular system bears the brunt of the adaptations as the heart and vessels enable nutrient supply to maternal organs facilitated by the placenta to the fetus. The components of the cardiovascular system are critical in the balance between maternal homeostatic and fetus driven homeorhetic regulation. Since lipids intersect maternal cardiovascular function and fetal needs with growth and in stress, factors affecting lipid deposition and mobilization impact risk outcomes. Here, the cardiovascular components and functional derangements associated with cardiovascular pathology in pregnancy, vis-à-vis lipid deposition, mobilization and maternal and/or cardiac and fetal energy needs are detailed. Most reports on the components and associated pathology in pregnancy, are on derangements affecting the extracellular matrix and epicardial fat, followed by the endothelium, vascular smooth muscle, pericytes and myocytes. Targeted studies on all cardiovascular components and pathological outcomes in pregnancy will enhance targeted interventions.

Maternal hemodynamics in screen-positive and screen-negative women of the ASPRE trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare maternal hemodynamics and perinatal outcome, in pregnancies that do not develop pre-eclampsia (PE) or deliver a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonate, between those identified at 11-13 weeks' gestation as being screen positive or negative for preterm PE, by a combination of maternal factors, mean arterial pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index, serum placental growth factor and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A.

METHODS

This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study of maternal cardiovascular function, assessed using a bioreactance method, in women undergoing first-trimester screening for PE. Maternal hemodynamics and perinatal outcome were compared between screen-positive and screen-negative women who did not have a medical comorbidity, did not develop PE or pregnancy-induced hypertension and delivered at term a live neonate with birth weight between the 5^th and 95^th percentiles. A multilevel linear mixed-effects model was used to compare the repeated measures of cardiac variables, controlling for maternal characteristics.

RESULTS

The screen-negative group (n = 926) had normal cardiac function changes across gestation, whereas the screen-positive group (n = 170) demonstrated static or reduced cardiac output and stroke volume and higher mean arterial pressure and peripheral vascular resistance with advancing gestation. In the screen-positive group, compared with screen-negative women, birth-weight Z-score was shifted toward lower values, with prevalence of delivery of a neonate below the 35^th , 30^th or 25^th percentile being about 70% higher, and the rate of operative delivery for fetal distress in labor also being higher.

CONCLUSION

Women who were screen positive for impaired placentation, even though they did not develop PE or deliver a SGA neonate, had pathological cardiac adaptation in pregnancy and increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Role of pregnancy hormones and hormonal interaction on the maternal cardiovascular system: a literature review

Hormones have a vital duty in the conservation of physiological cardiovascular function during pregnancy. Alterations in oestrogen, progesterone and prolactin levels are associated with changes in the cardiovascular system to support the growing foetus and counteract pregnancy stresses. Pregnancy hormones are, however, also linked to numerous pathophysiological outcomes on the cardiovascular system. The expression and effects of the three main pregnancy hormones (oestrogen, prolactin and progesterone) vary depending on the gestation period. However, the reaction of a target cell also depends on the abundance of hormone receptors and impacts put forth by other hormones. Hormonal interaction may be synergistic, antagonistic or permissive. It is crucial to explore the cross talk of pregnancy hormones during gestation, as this may have a greater impact on the overall changes to the cardiovascular system.

Influence of sex and pregnancy on survival in patients admitted with heart failure: Data from a prospective multicenter registry

BACKGROUND

Female sex is an independent predictor of better survival in patients with heart failure (HF), but the mechanism of this association is unknown. On the other hand, pregnancies have a strong influence on the cardiovascular system.

HYPOTHESIS

Sex and previous gestations might have a prognostic impact on 1-year mortality in patients admitted with HF.

METHODS

We conducted an observational, prospective, consecutive, multicenter registry of 1831 patients (756 females [41.2%]) admitted with HF.

RESULTS

Females had a more advanced age (75.2 ±11.4 vs 70.4 ±12.2 years), less ischemic heart disease (167 [25.3%] vs 446 [47.3%]), and higher left ventricular ejection fraction (52.0% ±16.6% vs 41.1% ±17.0%) than did men (all P values <0.001). During 1-year follow-up, 373 (20.4%) patients died (151 females and 222 males). Female sex was an independent predictor for survival (hazard ratio: 0.79, 95% confidence interval: 0.64-0.98, P = 0.03). In 504 women (65.9%), the exact number of previous pregnancies could be determined; 62 women (12.3%) had no previous pregnancies, 288 (57.1%) women had 1 or 2 pregnancies, and 154 women (30.6%) had ≥3 pregnancies. We found an association between the number of previous gestations and better survival (hazard ratio: 0.878, 95% confidence interval: 0.773-0.997, P = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients admitted with HF, female sex and the number of previous pregnancies are independently associated with better 1-year survival.

Anesthetic Treatment of Cardiac Disease During Pregnancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the pathophysiology, peripartum treatment, and anesthetic management of parturients with cardiac disease. Valvular disease, coronary disease, and cardiomyopathy are specifically addressed in the context of the normal physiologic changes of pregnancy. We offer recommendations for anesthetic approaches, hemodynamic goals with an emphasis on interdisciplinary planning between anesthesiologists, cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, obstetricians, maternal fetal medicine specialists, and neonatologists.

RECENT FINDINGS

Vaginal delivery with neuraxial analgesia can be well tolerated by many pregnant patients with cardiac disease when coordinated by an interdisciplinary team of experts. Cardiac disease in pregnancy can present a significant challenge for the interdisciplinary care team. A detailed understanding of each patient's cardiac pathology and the physiologic changes of pregnancy are critical to ensure a safe and successful labor and delivery. Optimized medical therapy in the peripartum period and neuraxial anesthesia with the judicious use of vasoactive agents can be of great benefit for these parturients. As is generally the case, cesarean delivery should be primarily reserved for obstetric indications and maternal wellbeing, with careful consideration of the fetus to guide best practices.

Morphofunctional cardiac changes in pregnant women: associations with biomarkers

Objective

This longitudinal study was performed to determine changes in echocardiography parameters in association with various biomarker levels in pregnancy/postpartum.

Methods

Fifty-one healthy pregnant women underwent echocardiography with simultaneous determination of blood levels of five biomarkers at each of the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, immediately postpartum within 1 week after childbirth and approximately 1 month postpartum. Data on 255 echocardiography scans (five times per woman) and biomarkers were analysed.

Results

Left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, left atrial (LA) volume index and left ventricular (LV) mass index increased with advancing gestation and reached the maximum immediately postpartum concomitant with the highest brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) and creatine kinase MB levels. The inferior vena cava diameter was significantly reduced in the third trimester compared with that in the first trimester and the peak occurred immediately after childbirth. In 255 paired measurements, hs-TnI level was significantly positively correlated with LA volume index and LV mass index; BNP and NT-proBNP were significantly positively correlated with LA volume index and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was significantly positively correlated with the average of early diastolic septal and lateral mitral annular velocity (e').

Conclusions

Maximal cardiac changes in morphology occurred postpartum within 1 week after childbirth, not during pregnancy. BNP/NT-proBNP, hs-TnI and eGFR reflected cardiac changes in pregnancy.

Developmental origins of pregnancy-induced cardiac changes: establishment of a novel model using the atrial natriuretic peptide gene-disrupted mice

Pregnancy evokes many challenges on the maternal cardiovascular system that may unmask predispositions for future disease. This is particularly evident for women who develop pregnancy-related disorders, for example, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes or hypertension. Such pregnancy-related syndromes increase the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) postpartum. As a result, pregnancy has been termed as a cardiovascular stress test and an indicator or marker to predict the development of CVD later in life. In addition, pregnancy-related disorders impact the development of offspring also placing them at a higher risk for disease. Utilizing pregnancy as a physiological stressor, the current investigation sought to determine whether the cardiovascular system of offspring exposed to gestational hypertension in utero would respond adversely to the stress of pregnancy. Heterozygous atrial natriuretic peptide gene-disrupted (ANP^+/-) offspring were generated by either crossing male wildtype ANP^+/+ with female knockout ANP^-/- to produce ANP^+/-KO mice or crossing female wildtype ANP^+/+ with male knockout ANP^-/- to produce ANP^+/-WT mice. To study the cardiovascular stress induced by pregnancy, female ANP^+/-WT and ANP^+/-KO mice were mated with male wildtype ANP^+/+ mice to initiate pregnancy. Cardiac size and molecular expression of the renin-angiotensin (RAS) and natriuretic peptide systems (NPS) were compared between offspring groups. Our data demonstrate that gestational hypertension and lack of maternal ANP did not significantly impact the progression and regression of pregnancy-induced cardiac hypertrophy over gestation and postpartum in ANP^+/- offspring. Additionally, the molecular cardiac expression of the RAS and NPS did not differ between offspring groups. Future investigation should assess potential differences in cardiac function and the impact of fetal-programming on offspring cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy in more severe models of pregnancy-related hypertensive syndrome such as angiotensin II or isoproterenol infusion.

Perinatal outcomes associated with abnormal cardiac remodeling in women with treated chronic hypertension

BACKGROUND

Adverse maternal outcomes associated with chronic hypertension include accelerated hypertension and resultant target organ damage. One example is long-standing hypertension leading to maternal cardiac dysfunction. Our group has previously identified that features of such injury manifest as cardiac remodeling with left ventricular hypertrophy. Moreover, these features of cardiac remodeling identified in women with chronic hypertension during pregnancy were associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Recent definitions of maternal cardiac remodeling using echocardiography have been expanded to include measurements of wall thickness. We hypothesized that these new features characterizing cardiac remodeling in women with chronic hypertension may also be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

There were 3 aims in this study of women with treated chronic hypertension during pregnancy: to (1) apply the updated definitions of maternal cardiac remodeling; (2) elucidate whether these features of cardiac remodeling were associated with adverse perinatal outcomes; and (3) determine which, if any, of the newly defined cardiac remodeling strata were most damaging when compared to women with normal cardiac geometry.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective study of women with treated chronic hypertension during pregnancy delivered from January 2009 through January 2016. Cardiac remodeling was categorized by left ventricular mass index and relative wall thickness into 4 groups determined using the 2015 American Society of Echocardiography guidelines: normal geometry, concentric remodeling, eccentric hypertrophy, and concentric hypertrophy. Perinatal outcomes were analyzed according to each category of cardiac remodeling compared with outcomes in women with normal geometry.

RESULTS

A total of 314 women with treated chronic hypertension underwent echocardiography at a mean gestational age of 17.9 weeks. There were no differences between maternal age (P = .896), habitus (P = .36), or duration of chronic hypertension (P = .212) among the 4 groups. Abnormal cardiac remodeling was found in 51% and was significantly associated with increased rates of superimposed preeclampsia (P = .015), preterm birth (P < .001), and neonatal intensive care admission (P = .003). These outcomes reached the greatest significance when comparisons were made between eccentric hypertrophy and normal geometry.

CONCLUSION

Using current American Society of Echocardiography guidelines, 51% of women with treated chronic hypertension during pregnancy have some degree of abnormal cardiac remodeling. Any suggestion of maternal cardiac remodeling, regardless of subtype, was associated with increased risks for superimposed preeclampsia and preterm birth with its resultant perinatal sequelae. Eccentric ventricular hypertrophy, previously thought to mimic exercise physiology, appears to be the most associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Despite evidence of cardiac remodeling, ejection fraction was preserved.

Hemodynamic and Electrocardiographic Aspects of Uncomplicated Singleton Pregnancy

Pregnancy is associated with significant changes in maternal hemodynamics, which are triggered by profound systemic vasodilation and mediated through the autonomic nervous system as well as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Vascular function changes to help accommodate an increase in intravascular volume due to blood volume expansion associated with pregnancy while maintaining the efficiency of ventricular-arterial coupling and diastolic perfusion pressure. The heart undergoes physiological (eccentric) hypertrophy due to increased volume load and cardiac stroke work, whereas the functional change of the left ventricle remains controversial. There are changes in cardiac electrical activity during pregnancy which can be detected in the electrocardiogram that are not related to disease. Sympathetic activation is a common phenomenon during uncomplicated pregnancy and may be a compensatory mechanism induced by profound systemic vasodilation and a decrease in mean arterial pressure. Despite marked sympathetic activation, vasoconstrictor responsiveness is blunted during uncomplicated pregnancy. There are race and ethnic differences in maternal hemodynamic adaptations to uncomplicated pregnancy, which may be attributed to differences in socioeconomic status or in prevalence rates of cardiovascular risk factors.

Cardiac remodeling in normotensive pregnancy and in pregnancy complicated by hypertension: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe comprehensively the pattern of cardiac remodeling during normotensive human singleton pregnancy and to compare it with that of pregnancy complicated by hypertension.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of the current literature on cardiac remodeling during normotensive and complicated pregnancies. Literature was retrieved from PubMed (NCBI) and EMBASE (Ovid) databases. Included studies needed to report a reference measurement (matched non-pregnant control group, prepregnancy or postpartum) and measurements made during predetermined gestational-age intervals. Mean differences between reference and pregnancy data were calculated using the random-effects model described by DerSimonian and Laird.

RESULTS

Forty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis, with publication dates ranging from 1977 to 2016. During normotensive pregnancy, most geometric indices started to increase in the second trimester. Left ventricular mass (LVM) increased by 28.36 (95% CI, 19.73-37.00) g (24%), and relative wall thickness (RWT) increased by 0.03 (95% CI, 0.02-0.05) (10%) compared with those in the reference group. During hypertensive pregnancy, LVM and RWT increased more than during normotensive pregnancy (92 (95% CI, 75.46-108.54) g (95%) and 0.14 (95% CI, 0.09-0.19) (56%), respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

During normotensive pregnancy, most cardiac geometric indices change from the second trimester onwards. Both LVM and RWT increase, by 20% and 10%, respectively, consistent with concentric rather than eccentric remodeling. Cardiac adaptation in hypertensive pregnancy deviates from that in healthy pregnancy by a greater change in LVM (95% increase from reference) and RWT (56% increase from reference). Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Mathematical modelling of the maternal cardiovascular system in the three stages of pregnancy

In this study, a mathematical model of the female circulation during pregnancy is presented in order to investigate the hemodynamic response to the cardiovascular changes associated with each trimester of pregnancy. First, a preliminary lumped parameter model of the circulation of a non-pregnant female was developed, including the heart, the systemic circulation with a specific block for the uterine district and the pulmonary circulation. The model was first tested at rest; then heart rate and vascular resistances were individually varied to verify the correct response to parameter alterations characterising pregnancy. In order to simulate hemodynamics during pregnancy at each trimester, the main changes applied to the model consisted in reducing vascular resistances, and simultaneously increasing heart rate and ventricular wall volumes. Overall, reasonable agreement was found between model outputs and in vivo data, with the trends of the cardiac hemodynamic quantities suggesting correct response of the heart model throughout pregnancy. Results were reported for uterine hemodynamics, with flow tracings resembling typical Doppler velocity waveforms at each stage, including pulsatility indexes. Such a model may be used to explore the changes that happen during pregnancy in female with cardiovascular diseases.

The Role of Cardiac Biomarkers in Pregnancy

OPINION STATEMENT

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of pregnancy-associated mortality, with an increasingly complex pregnant population. While our understanding of CVD in pregnancy continues to evolve, there remains a need to develop widely accessible tools to follow pregnant women both with and without preexisting disease with respect to cardiovascular risk, particularly for those presenting with symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular pathology. Thus, research is emerging with respect to the potential role of novel and established cardiac biomarkers in diagnosing and following CVD in pregnancy. Here, we review the normal hemodynamics of pregnancy and the behavior of various biomarkers in both normal and complicated pregnancies.

Gestational changes in left ventricular myocardial contractile function: new insights from two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography

The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of pregnancy and labor on left ventricular (LV) myocardial mechanics using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Pregnancy is characterized by profound hormonal and hemodynamic alterations that directly or indirectly influence cardiac structure and function. However, the impact of these changes on left ventricular (LV) myocardial contractile function has not been fully elucidated. In this prospective, longitudinal study, 35 pregnant women underwent serial clinical and echocardiographic evaluation during each trimester and at labor. Two dimensional STE was performed to measure global LV longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain (GLS, GCS and GRS, respectively). Similar data obtained from 20 nulliparous, age-matched women were used as control. All strain values during pregnancy were adjusted for age and hemodynamic parameters. There was a progressive increase in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cardiac output and LV stroke-work during pregnancy. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes also increased progressively but LV ejection fraction remained unaltered, except for slight reduction during the second trimester. Compared to the controls, GLS and GCS were reduced in the first trimester itself (GLS -22.39 ± 5.43 % vs. -18.66 ± 0.64 %, P 0.0002; GCS -20.84 ± 3.20 vs. -17.88 ± 0.09, P < 0.001) and remained so throughout the pregnancy and labor. In contrast, GRS showed an increase during pregnancy which peaked during the second trimester (24.18 ± 0.39 % vs. 18.06 ± 8.14 % in controls, P < 0.001). Alterations in loading conditions during pregnancy are associated with counterbalancing changes in the myocardial mechanics. LV longitudinal and circumferential strain are reduced whereas radial strain is increased. These counterbalancing changes serve to maintain overall LV ejection performance within a normal range and enable the maternal heart to meet the hemodynamic demands of pregnancy and labor.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Changes During Normal Pregnancy Among Nigerians

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy is a physiological process associated with an increased hemodynamic load and cardiac structural remodeling. Limited echocardiographic information exists on cardiac chambers, left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions, and LV mass during trimesters of normal pregnancy among African women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Echocardiography was done at the beginning of the second trimester, beginning of the third trimester, and middle of the third trimester for 100 normal pregnant women and at one visit for age-matched 100 nonpregnant women. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 software. Analysis of variance was used to compare within trimesters, and a P value of <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) ages of the patients and controls were 28.20 (±5.91) and 28.35 (±6.06) years, respectively (age range = 19–44 years, P = 0.86). Cardiac chambers, LV systolic function, and LV mass and its index increased significantly during pregnancy. A significant increase in A-wave velocity but slight increase in E-wave velocity and a reduction in tissue e′ velocity at the septal margin but a progressive increase in a′ velocity were also observed (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Cardiac chamber dimensions, LV wall thickness, and mass, most indices of LV systolic and diastolic function, though within normal range, were significantly higher in pregnant than in nonpregnant Nigerian women.

A mathematical model to simulate the cardiotocogram during labor. Part B: Parameter estimation and simulation of variable decelerations

During labor and delivery the cardiotocogram (CTG), the combined registration of fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contractions, is used to monitor fetal well-being. In part A of our study we introduced a new mathematical computer model for CTG simulation in order to gain insight into the complex relation between these signals. By reducing model complexity and by using physically more realistic descriptions, this model was improved with respect to our previous model. Aim of part B of this study is to gain insight into the cascade of events from uterine contractions causing combined uterine flow reduction and umbilical cord compression, resulting in blood and oxygen pressure variations, which lead to changes in FHR via the baro- and chemoreflex. In addition, we extensively describe and discuss the estimation of model parameter values. Simulation results are in good agreement with sheep data and show the ability of the model to describe variable decelerations. Despite reduced model complexity, parameter estimation still remains difficult due to limited clinical data.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Structural and Hemodynamic Changes in Hypertension-Related Pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy induces dramatic cardiovascular changes in order to meet the increasing metabolic needs. Adaptive change of left ventricle (LV) might be modified in pregnancy complicated by hypertension.

METHODS

Data from 193 consecutive pregnant women were analyzed. Clinical and echocardiographic data were compared in normotensive and hypertensive women.

RESULTS

Significantly higher LV mass indexed by height was observed in hypertensive women compared with normotensive women (84 ± 21 g/m vs. 97 ± 20 g/m, p = 0.001). Diastolic function measured by the ratio of peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral blood flow to early diastolic mitral annular velocity was impaired in hypertensive women (11.0 ± 3.0 vs. 9.2 ± 2.5, p < 0.001). Such change was more prominent in women with gestational hypertension (GH) than those with chronic hypertension (CH). Heavy maternal weight was an independent factor associated with LV hypertrophy (LVH) in both normotensive and hypertensive women. Overt eccentric LVH was more frequent than concentric remodeling/hypertrophy (24% vs. 8.4%) in GH, while the opposite result was observed in CH (14% vs. 23%).

CONCLUSION

Hypertensive pregnancy is associated with significant LVH and diastolic dysfunction. CH seems to induce different LV remodeling pattern from GH. Heavy maternal weight during pregnancy might intensify the unfavorable remodeling of LV, particularly in hypertensive pregnancy.

Physiological Reduction in Left Ventricular Contractile Function in Healthy Postpartum Women: Potential Overlap with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Aims

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a potentially life-threatening cause of heart failure, commoner in Afro-Caribbean than Caucasian women. Its diagnosis can be challenging due to physiological changes in cardiac function that also occur in healthy women during the early postpartum period. This study aimed to (i) establish the overlap between normal cardiac physiology in the immediate postpartum period and pathological changes in peripartum cardiomyopathy ii) identify any ethnicity-specific changes in cardiac function and cardiac biomarkers in healthy postpartum women.

Methods and Results

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 58 healthy postpartum women within 48 hours of delivery and 18 matched non-pregnant controls. Participants underwent cardiac assessment by echocardiography and strain analysis, including 3D echocardiography in 40 postpartum women. Results were compared with 12 retrospectively studied peripartum cardiomyopathy patients. Healthy postpartum women had significantly higher left ventricular volumes and mass, and lower ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain than non-pregnant controls. These parameters were significantly more impaired in peripartum cardiomyopathy patients but with overlapping ranges of values. Healthy postpartum women had higher levels of adrenomedullin, placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1) compared to controls. The postpartum state, adrenomedullin, sFlt1 and the sFlt1:PlGF ratio were independent predictors of LV remodelling and function in healthy postpartum women.

Conclusion

Healthy postpartum women demonstrate several echocardiographic indicators of left ventricular remodelling and reduced function, which are associated with altered levels of angiogenic and cardiac biomarkers.

Cardiac output and related haemodynamics during pregnancy: a series of meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE

Cardiac output, a fundamental parameter of cardiovascular function, has consistently been shown to increase across healthy pregnancy; however, the time course and magnitude of adaptation remains equivocal within published literature. The aim of the present meta-analyses was to comprehensively describe the pattern of change in cardiac output during healthy pregnancy.

METHOD

A series of meta-analyses of previously published cardiac output data during healthy, singleton pregnancies was completed. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies published between 1996 and 2014. Included studies reported absolute values during a predetermined gestational age (non-pregnant, late first trimester, early and late second trimester, early and late third trimester, early and late postpartum). Cardiac output was measured through echocardiography, impedance cardiography or inert gas rebreathing. Observational data were meta-analysed at each gestational age using a random-effects model. If reported, related haemodynamic variables were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 39 studies were eligible for inclusion, with pooled sample sizes ranging from 259 to 748. Cardiac output increased during pregnancy reaching its peak in the early third trimester, 1.5 L/min (31%) above non-pregnant values. The observed results from this study indicated a non-linear rise to this point. In the early postpartum, cardiac output had returned to non-pregnant values.

CONCLUSION

The present results suggest that cardiac output peaks in the early third trimester, following a non-linear pattern of adaptation; however, this must be confirmed using longitudinal studies. The findings provide new insight into the normal progression of cardiac output during pregnancy.

Cardiovascular Complications of Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes significant metabolic and hemodynamic changes in a woman's physiology to allow for fetal growth. The inability to adapt to these changes might result in the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (hypertension, preeclampsia or eclampsia), gestational diabetes and preterm birth. Contrary to previous beliefs these complications are not limited to the pregnancy period and may leave permanent vascular and metabolic damage. There is in addition, a direct association between these disorders and increased risk of future cardiovascular disease (CVD, including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure and stroke) and diabetes mellitus. Despite abundant evidence of this association, women who present with these complications of pregnancy do not receive adequate postpartum follow up and counseling regarding their increased risk of future CVD. The postpartum period in these women represents a unique opportunity to intervene with lifestyle modifications designed to reduce the development of premature cardiovascular complications. In some cases it allows early diagnosis and treatment of chronic hypertension or diabetes mellitus. The awareness of this relationship is growing in the medical community, especially among obstetricians and primary care physicians, who play a pivotal role in detecting these complications and assuring appropriate follow up.

Statement on pregnancy in pulmonary hypertension from the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute

Pregnancy outcomes in patients with pulmonary hypertension remain poor despite advanced therapies. Although consensus guidelines recommend against pregnancy in pulmonary hypertension, it may nonetheless occasionally occur. This guideline document sought to discuss the state of knowledge of pregnancy effects on pulmonary vascular disease and to define usual practice in avoidance of pregnancy and pregnancy management. This guideline is based on systematic review of peer-reviewed, published literature identified with MEDLINE. The strength of the literature was graded, and when it was inadequate to support high-level recommendations, consensus-based recommendations were formed according to prespecified criteria. There was no literature that met standards for high-level recommendations for pregnancy management in pulmonary hypertension. We drafted 38 consensus-based recommendations on pregnancy avoidance and management. Further, we identified the current state of knowledge on the effects of sex hormones during pregnancy on the pulmonary vasculature and right heart and suggested areas for future study. There is currently limited evidence-based knowledge about both the basic molecular effects of sex hormones and pregnancy on the pulmonary vasculature and the best practices in contraception and pregnancy management in pulmonary hypertension. We have drafted 38 consensus-based recommendations to guide clinicians in these challenging topics, but further research is needed in this area to define best practices and improve patient outcomes.

Maternal functional hemodynamics in the second half of pregnancy: a longitudinal study

Objective

Cardiovascular response to passive leg raising (PLR) is useful in assessing preload reserve, but it has not been studied longitudinally during pregnancy. We aimed to investigate gestational age associated serial changes in maternal functional hemodynamics and establish longitudinal reference ranges for the second half of pregnancy.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective longitudinal study on 98 healthy pregnant women who were examined 3–5 times during 20–40 weeks of gestation (a total of 441 observations). Maternal cardiac function and systemic hemodynamics were assessed at baseline and 90 seconds after PLR using impedance cardiography (ICG). The main outcome measures were gestational age specific changes in ICG-derived variables of maternal cardiovascular function and functional hemodynamic response to PLR.

Results

Hemodynamic response to PLR varied during pregnancy. PLR led to an insignificant increase in stroke volume during 20⁺⁰ to 31⁺⁶ weeks, but later in gestation the stroke volume was slightly lower at PLR compared to baseline. PLR caused no significant change in cardiac output between 20⁺⁰ and 23⁺⁶ weeks and a significant decrease after 24⁺⁰ weeks. A decrease in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and cardiac contractility was observed during PLR throughout the second half of pregnancy. Systemic vascular resistance was reduced by PLR up to 32⁺⁰ weeks, but increased slightly thereafter.

Conclusion

Healthy pregnant women appear to have limited preload reserve and reduced cardiac contractility, especially in the third trimester, which makes them vulnerable to fluid overload and cardiac failure.

Reversible Cardiomyopathies

Cardiomyopathies (CMs) have many etiological factors that can result in severe structural and functional dysregulation. Fortunately, there are several potentially reversible CMs that are known to improve when the root etiological factor is addressed. In this article, we discuss several of these reversible CMs, including tachycardia-induced, peripartum, inflammatory, hyperthyroidism, Takotsubo, and chronic illness-induced CMs. Our discussion also includes a review on their respective pathophysiology, as well as possible management solutions.

Left ventricular remodeling and diastolic function in chronic hypertensive pregnant women

Hypertension during pregnancy is a problem that impacts maternal morbidity and mortality. Dyspnea and edema are common symptoms, often secondary to physiological changes, but may raise doubts as to ventricular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ventricular geometry pattern and diastolic function in chronic hypertensive pregnant women (HPW).

METHODS

Prospective, cross-sectional study on 62 pregnant women over a 29-month period, from March 2009 to July 2011, in Brazil was done. Thirty-one HPWs and 31 normotensive pregnant women (NPW) underwent clinical and cardiovascular evaluations, and were subjected to transthoracic echocardiogram.

RESULTS

LV mass (HPW: 220.9 ± 43.3 vs. NPW: 192.9 ± 39.8 g, p = 0.01), posterior wall thickness (HPW: 9.9 ± 1.1 vs. NPW: 9.2 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.005), mitral flow A wave velocity (HPW: 0.60 ± 0.16 vs. NPW: 0.52 ± 0.10 m/s, p = 0.02), tissue Doppler A' wave velocity (HPW: 10 ± 2 vs. NPW: 8.9 ± 1cm/s, p=0.02), and E/E' ratio (HPW: 6.8 ± 2.2 vs. NPW: 5.5 ± 1.6, p = 0.01) were higher in HPWs. Septal and lateral walls E' wave velocities (HPW: 13 ± 2 vs. NPW: 15 ± 3 cm/s, p=0.001), and E'/A' ratio (HPW: 1.26 ± 0.38 vs. NPW: 1.77 ± 0.49, p = 0.00003) were lower in HPWs. There was a positive linear correlation between body mass index (BMI) and ventricular mass, A wave, systolic, diastolic blood pressures, and a negative correlation between BMI, E' wave and E'/A' ratio.

CONCLUSION

Ventricular remodeling showed a direct relationship with body weight, and both groups showed a predominant pattern of eccentric ventricular hypertrophy. The LV diastolic function was abnormal in HPWs.

[Pregnancy-related cardiac problems]

All women of child-bearing age suffering from congenital cardiac valve malformations or acquired valvular disease, pulmonary hypertension or arterial hypertension and who are at risk for coronary heart disease should receive early counseling and optimal treatment before pregnancy. They should be treated by an interdisciplinary team composed of gynecologists, cardiologists, geneticists and, if necessary, cardiac surgeons. This interdisciplinary approach should be used for all pregnant women with cardiac disease in order to minimize maternal and fetal mortality. As physicians will only rarely be confronted with such critically ill patients, guidelines and access to worldwide information from databanks are particularly important (http://www.safetus.com und http://www.emryotox.de).

An update on treatments and outcomes in peripartum cardiomyopathy

ABSTRACT: 

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a well-established complication of pregnancy. Criteria include heart failure that presents with reduced left ventricular function, signs and symptoms of heart failure either late in pregnancy or early in the postpartum period. The incidence varies widely depending geography and ethnicity. The pathophysiology of PPCM is still an area of active investigation, but includes immune and inflammatory mechanisms, which are the subject of several investigations. Therapies for chronic heart failure from PPCM are similar to those patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy from different etiologies, however novel therapies may include bromocriptine, pentoxifylline or other potential therapies influencing the immune system. The need for implantable defibrillators, left ventricular assist devices and cardiac transplant in women with PPCM is rare, and prognosis is better than other forms of nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Despite this, further information about the epidemiology, prognosis and potential therapies are required to better manage and diagnose PPCM in women with signs and symptoms of heart failure.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in pregnancy: insights from the cardiac hemodynamic imaging and remodeling in pregnancy (CHIRP) study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease in pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal mortality in North America. Although transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the most widely used imaging modality for the assessment of cardiovascular function during pregnancy, little is known on the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). The objective of the Cardiac Hemodynamic Imaging and Remodeling in Pregnancy (CHIRP) study was to compare TTE and CMR in the non-invasive assessment of maternal cardiac remodeling during the peripartum period.

METHODS

Between 2010-2012, healthy pregnant women aged 18 to 35 years were prospectively enrolled. All women underwent TTE and CMR during the third trimester and at least 3 months postpartum (surrogate for non-pregnant state).

RESULTS

The study population included a total of 34 women (mean age 29 ± 3 years). During the third trimester, TTE and CMR demonstrated an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume from 95 ± 11 mL to 115 ± 14 mL and 98 ± 6 mL to 125 ± 5 mL, respectively (p<0.05). By TTE and CMR, there was also an increase in left ventricular (LV) mass during pregnancy from 111 ± 10 g to 163 ± 11 g and 121 ± 5 g to 179 ± 5 g, respectively (p<0.05). Although there was good correlation between both imaging modalities for LV mass, stroke volume, and cardiac output, the values were consistently underestimated by TTE.

CONCLUSION

This CMR study provides reference values for cardiac indices during normal pregnancy and the postpartum state.

MATERNAL CARDIAC TWIST PRE-PREGNANCY: POTENTIAL AS A NOVEL MARKER OF PRE-ECLAMPSIA

Healthy pregnancy is characterised by progressive physiological adaptation of the maternal cardiovascular (CV) system that facilitates optimal fetal development. The adaptations that constitute a healthy or normal progression are not always evident, and, in particular, CV adaptation to pregnancy is highly individualised. Some women develop pregnancy-related CV dysfunction such as pre-eclampsia (PE). Typically, PE is diagnosed by the development of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Despite continued efforts to improve the understanding of the aetiology, pathophysiology and subsequently treatment for the disease, CV changes in PE are not well understood. PE before 34 weeks (early onset PE) is believed to differ in pathogenesis from late onset PE (>34 weeks) and can be characterised by a haemodynamic profile of increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and lower cardiac output (CO). Early onset PE is more often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and significant adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. In contrast, late onset PE (>34 weeks) involves an increased CO and lower SVR and is less likely to be associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and adverse perinatal outcomes. It is not known if PE develops secondary to the CV maladaptation in pregnancy or if a preexisting CV dysfunction predisposes some women to develop PE. Screening, diagnosis and disease management would be vastly improved if more were known about the onset of the maladaptive process associated with PE. To date, a combination of maternal factors including medical history, body mass index, age, parity and blood pressure (BP) have been used to predict the development of PE. In the first trimester, arterial stiffness is significantly increased in women who develop PE. Current hypotheses speculate that CV dysfunction is evident very early in pregnancy in PE and precedes the clinical manifestation at a later stage but whether CV dysfunction is present before pregnancy remains to be elucidated.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy with biventricular thrombus which led to massive cerebral embolism

A 37-year-old female who delivered her second child via a cesarean section 4 months previously presented to our hospital with gradual worsening of dyspnea on effort. Chest radiographic appearance showed cardiomegaly (cardiothoracic ratio 61%) and slight bilateral pulmonary congestion. Echocardiogram revealed diffuse hypokinesis of both left and right ventricles (left ventricular ejection fraction 29%) and large biventricular thrombus [left ventricular apex (28 mm × 21 mm, 22 mm × 14 mm) and right ventricular apex (16 mm × 11 mm)]. She was diagnosed as having peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and anticoagulation therapy was started. Surgical thrombectomy was not selected because of risk of complications. Massive cerebral infarction occurred 10 days after diagnosis. She was discharged with aphasia and right incomplete hemiplegia 65 days after admission. Biventricular thrombus is a rare complication of PPCM. If high risk of massive embolism is considered, surgical thrombectomy may be warranted even in cases with low cardiac function. <Learning objective: Biventricular thrombus is a rare complication of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). We report a case of biventricular thrombus secondary to PPCM. The decision to perform prophylactic surgical approach to ventricular thrombus is difficult in cases with low cardiac function.>.