Coarctation of the abdominal aorta in pregnancy: Diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging

Background: Coarctation of the aorta is rare, affecting one per 2000-3000 women. Abdominal coarctation is more commonly identified in women than in men, but only two cases have been reported in pregnancy. Case: A 26-year-old woman was diagnosed with hypertension at 15 years of age. Her blood pressure was controlled adequately with beta-blockers. During her pregnancy, she was found to have coarctation of the abdominal aorta by magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging is a safe, reliable means by which to confirm clinically suspected coarctation of the aorta during pregnancy.