Greater Noida, Sep 21: Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital successfully managed a complex and potentially life-threatening cardiac condition in a 27-year–old pregnant woman, who presented with chest pain, radiating pain in both upper limbs and generalized weakness. What initially appeared to be a relatively common complaint of chest pain and generalized weakness turned out to be a life-threatening cardiac condition, with investigations revealing a 7.9-cm ascending aortic aneurysm and severe aortic regurgitation. The patient was diagnosed with a large ascending aortic aneurysm measuring up to 7.9 cm, severe aortic regurgitation and left ventricular dilatation, requiring urgent multidisciplinary intervention.
The patient was 37 weeks pregnant and had a history of severe aortic regurgitation. Her condition presented a particularly complex clinical challenge, as both maternal and foetal considerations had to be taken into account while planning treatment.
Following detailed evaluation, the medical team first performed an emergency lower-segment caesarean section (LSCS) with bilateral internal iliac/artery ligation on July 23, 2026. The following day, after stabilization and multidisciplinary assessment, the patient underwent major cardiac surgery.
The cardiac procedure involved a Bentall procedure with a 23-mm On-X aortic valve replacement and replacement of the ascending aorta using a 24-mm integrated graft, along with coronary button implantation, performed by the CTVS team on July 24, 2026.
Pre-operative CT aortography had revealed marked aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta, measuring up to 7.9 cm, along with dilatation of the sinus of Valsalva measuring up to 5.9 cm. The evaluation also showed mild left ventricular dilatation and hypertrophy, while there was no evidence of aortic dissection.
Following surgery, the patient was managed with intensive postoperative care, including ventilatory and vasopressor support. She received blood component support, antibiotics, antiplatelet therapy, analgesics and other supportive treatment. She was subsequently weaned from ventilatory support and extubated on July 25, 2026. With continued monitoring and multidisciplinary care, her condition improved and she was discharged in a stable condition on oral medications.
Dr Ved Prakash, Director & HOD – CTVS, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, said, “This was an extremely complex clinical situation because the patient was not only dealing with severe aortic regurgitation and a very large ascending aortic aneurysm, but was also in an advanced stage of pregnancy. The size of the aneurysm, along with the associated cardiac condition, required timely intervention. The sequential approach of addressing the pregnancy-related emergency followed by definitive cardiac surgery required close coordination between the obstetrics, cardiac surgery, anaesthesia, critical care and other supporting teams. The successful outcome demonstrates the importance of multidisciplinary decision-making in managing high-risk cardiac cases during pregnancy.”
Dr Neelam Banerjee, Senior Consultant & Robotic Surgeon and HOD – IVF & Fertility, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, said, “Pregnancy can place significant physiological demands on the cardiovascular system, making pre-existing or severe cardiac conditions particularly challenging to manage. In such cases, treatment planning has to carefully consider the mother while also taking the pregnancy into account. This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis, coordinated specialist care and careful clinical decision-making when a pregnant patient presents with a serious cardiac condition.”
Dr Sunil Kumar Baliyan, COO & Facility Director, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, said, “Cases like this highlight why timely cardiac evaluation is important, particularly for women with a known history of heart or valve-related problems. To mark World Heart Day, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital is also encouraging people to take a proactive approach towards their heart health through a special heart check-up package priced at ₹999, which includes consultation, ECG, blood pressure check, lipid profile, complete hemogram and fasting blood sugar. In addition, angiography is being offered at ₹7,999, along with 50% off on ECHO and TMT. The package will be available from September 21 to October 10, 2026. Regular screening and timely medical consultation can help identify cardiac risks early and support appropriate treatment.”
The case underscores the importance of early cardiac evaluation during pregnancy when symptoms such as persistent chest pain, breathlessness, weakness or other concerning symptoms are present, particularly in women with a known history of valvular or cardiovascular disease. Timely diagnosis and access to a multidisciplinary team can be critical in complex maternal cardiac cases.