Cardiac disease in pregnancy MRI

Overview
No known safety hazards are observed with MRI, especially after first trimester. However, the experience with this technique is limited and is indicated only when other imaging modalities such chest x-ray and echocardiography are inconclusive or to identify aortic diseases in pregnancy. Currently, the FDA recommends prudent use of MRI during pregnancy.

Contrast MRI using gadolinium is contraindicated as gadolinium crosses the trans-placental membrane and exposes the fetus to teratogenicity.