IMAGING OF PREGNANCY-RELATED COMPLICATIONS

Thirty-six cases of pregnancy-related complications were studied with plain radiography, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging alone or in combination. Among the co mplications diagnosed with these various techniques were venous thromb oembolic disorders, deep vein thrombosis, ovarian vein thrombosis, end ometritis and pyometra, HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzy me levels, and low platelet counts), hepatic hematoma and rupture, fat ty liver, uterine rupture, various hematomas and a foreign body, tubo- ovarian abscess, cerebral venous thrombosis, cerebral ischemia, and ce rebral edema. Prompt detection and appropriate management of many of t hese complications could result in decreased maternal and fetal mortal ity and morbidity. Although US should be considered first because it c an be performed bedside, does not require use of ionizing radiation, a nd is cost-effective, CT is superior in demonstrating the extent of th e abnormality and MR imaging is best for detection of neurologic compl ications of pregnancy. The radiologist should select the best availabl e method and tailor the examination according to the presumptive clini cal diagnosis and the individual problem to be solved.