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Imaging neurological emergencies in pregnancy and puerperium

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Abstract

The altered physiologic state of female patients during and just after pregnancy places them at an increased risk for several potentially life-threatening neurologic disorders. Swift diagnosis of such pathology and related complications is critical in order to reduce risk of morbidity and mortality to both the mother and the fetus. Neuroimaging plays an important role in the emergent diagnosis of pathology associated with pregnancy and puerperium, and it is critical for the radiologist to be cognizant of correlative imaging findings. Furthermore, given concerns regarding risks of neuroimaging to the fetus, it is important for the radiologist to act as an informed consultant regarding balancing fetal risks and the mother’s health. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the underlying pathophysiology and neuroimaging findings associated with diagnoses that are unique to or highly associated with pregnancy and puerperium, as well as to understand the role that CT and MR play in diagnosis during and just after pregnancy, and their respective risks to the fetus.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Matthew A. Haber

  2. Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, PBB RAD, 3rd Floor, Room 357, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Diego Nunez

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  1. Matthew A. Haber
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  2. Diego Nunez
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Correspondence to Diego Nunez.

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Haber, M.A., Nunez, D. Imaging neurological emergencies in pregnancy and puerperium. Emerg Radiol 25, 673–684 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-018-1625-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-018-1625-8

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