Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Pre-term Pregnancy: A Case Report

Cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy account for significant morbidity and mortality. An abdominal aortic aneurysm posts high mortality for otherwise healthy patients, more so for conditions that alter normal physiology such as in preterm pregnancy. Abdominal aortic dissection during pregnancy is a rare and life-threatening condition for both the mother and the fetus. An understanding of physiologic maternal changes and surgical stress responses is important to attenuate perioperative hemodynamic changes and prevent progression of aortic expansion and aortic rupture. As an anesthesiologist, one is positioned to facilitate communication among the internist, obstetrician and vascular surgeon for surgical success. This case report presents the anesthetic considerations in the perioperative management of a preterm pregnancy for a major abdominal surgery.