Imaging of Late Obstetrical and Post-partum Emergencies

Abstract

The pregnant and post-partum patient introduces several diagnostic and imaging challenges. Choice of imaging modality is altered in order to reduce ionizing radiation to the fetus and to radiation-sensitive breast tissue. Even when using magnetic resonance imaging, the relative contraindication to the administration of intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agents in the pregnant patient also limits diagnostic accuracy and confidence. Furthermore, the relative inexperience of many radiologists in imaging the placenta, and the anatomic distortion of the gravid and post-partum uterus, makes evaluation of these patients difficult. Many of these emergencies and urgencies are unique to the pregnant or post-partum patient, and the radiologist must consider a wide range of pathologies. In this review, we present the imaging appearance of late obstetrical and post-partum emergencies and urgencies.