The CHIRP study – cardiovascular hemodynamic imaging and remodeling in pregnancy
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Date
2012-11-23
Authors
Melnyk, Steven
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease in pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in North America. Transthoracic
echocardiography (TTE) is the most widely used imaging modality for the assessment of cardiovascular function in pregnancy. Compared to TTE, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging offers superior spatial resolution, greater reproducibility, and is
less dependent on body habitus. However,
reliable CMR hemodynamic and structural
parameters for normal pregnancies have never been established. The objective of this
prospective study was to compare TTE and CMR
in the non-‐invasive assessment of maternal
cardiac remodeling during normal pregnancies
and the postpartum period. CMR provides a
more accurate and reproducible assessment
of maternal cardiovascular structure and function during pregnancy. Once normal reference values for cardiac dimensions and function are established by the CHIRP study,
we will be able to evaluate the utility of CMR in the management of maternal cardiac
disease states in the future.
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Medicine