Sherelle Lea Laifer-Narin MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Edgar St Amour MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

This exhibit reviews gastrointestinal disorders that may present during pregnancy and their imaging characteristics. Rationale for decisions to pursue medical treatment versus surgical management are presented.

Background: Gastrointestinal disorders may present during pregnancy; up to 1% of pregnant women require non-obstetrical general surgery. Many anatomic and physiologic changes occur during pregnancy, and various signs and normal symptoms of pregnancy may be confused with symptoms of acute gastrointestinal disorders.  Accurate diagnosis and treatment of the pregnant patient is of the highest priority, and proper treatment will benefit both the mother and the fetus. Imaging parameters: Noncontrast MRI was performed.  Mutiplanar T2 weighted images of the maternal abdomen were obtained.   Differential Diagnosis:  Acute appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, bowel obstruction, hepatic lesions, and colorectal malignancy.   Summary: Accurate diagnosis of acute abdominal pain is paramount; therapeutic decisions may be medical, surgical, or expectant. Maternal condition takes priority, however, added fetal risks are involved.  Multidisciplinary consultation is crucial, additional precautions must be taken, and nonemergent surgery may be delayed until after delivery.  

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14014878/14014878_6nhx.pdf

Laifer-Narin, S, St Amour, E, Maternal Gastrointestinal Disorders During Pregnancy: Diagnosis Utilizing MRI and Management Stratification.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14014878.html