The Do's and Don'ts of Cardiac Imaging in Pregnancy

Learn the essential guidelines for cardiac imaging during pregnancy in this comprehensive medical lecture presented by Dr. Maria A. Lopez Laporte, an Echocardiography Fellow at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Trainee Representative for the Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance. Explore the critical do's and don'ts of cardiovascular imaging techniques specifically tailored for pregnant patients, understanding the safety considerations, diagnostic limitations, and optimal approaches for maternal cardiac assessment. Discover evidence-based protocols for echocardiography, appropriate use of various imaging modalities, and clinical decision-making strategies that balance diagnostic accuracy with maternal and fetal safety. Gain insights into the physiological changes of pregnancy that affect cardiac imaging interpretation, contraindications for certain imaging techniques, and alternative approaches when standard methods are not suitable. Master the clinical reasoning behind imaging choices in pregnant patients with suspected or known cardiac conditions, including timing considerations, radiation exposure concerns, and the integration of imaging findings with clinical presentation to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.