Transthoracic echocardiography in women with preeclampsia

Abstract

Purpose of review Recent literature on the role of transthoracic echocardiography in the management of women with preeclampsia is reviewed with emphasis on recommendations for its use in the life-threatening complications of acute pulmonary edema, chest pain, and hemorrhage. Recent findings The diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia are closer to reaching international consensus with most guidelines now removing the mandatory requirement for proteinuria. Hemodynamic findings using transthoracic echocardiography in women with untreated preeclampsia include normal or increased cardiac output, normal or increased contractility, a nondilated left ventricle, diastolic dysfunction, increased pericar..