Emergent MRI for acute abdominal pain in pregnancy-review of common pathology and imaging appearance

Emerg Radiol. 2020 Apr;27(2):205-214. doi: 10.1007/s10140-019-01747-3. Epub 2020 Jan 5.

Abstract

Acute abdominal pain in pregnancy remains a clinically challenging presentation, often requiring imaging. The threat of morbidity and mortality to both mother and fetus necessitates quick and accurate imaging diagnosis, often via ultrasound. However, many of the common causes of acute abdominal pain are not readily diagnosed with sonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly favored in this setting. The purpose of this review is to familiarize the reader with common pathologies which may be encountered in pregnant females presenting with acute abdominal pain requiring emergent MRI.

Keywords: Abdominal pain; Appendicitis; Emergency; MRI; Pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen, Acute / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnostic imaging*