Doppler Echocardiography as a Predictor of Pregnancy Outcome in the Presence of Aortic Stenosis: A Case Report

Aortic stenosis in pregnancy can be a life-threatening condition, but fortunately it is rare. In the modern era, careful obstetric and cardiologic monitoring, particularly through echocardiography, have improved fetal and maternal outcomes. However, a test that could predict outcome has not been available for patients with aortic stenosis who seek prepregnancy counseling. We report a case in which exercise Doppler echocardiography was used to predict cardiac function and maximal gradients in a woman with a bicuspid aortic valve who wished to become pregnant. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1999;12:324-5.)