Imaging non-obstetrical causes of abdominal pain in the pregnant patient

Acute abdominal pain in pregnant patients remains a diagnostic dilemma because of a multitude of factors. First, some of the clinical signs and symptoms of certain entities, such as acute appendicitis are less apparent in the pregnant patient. Second, some locations of anatomical structure, such as the cecum or appendix, may be distorted during pregnancy, making diagnosis and imaging difficult. Finally, imaging of the pregnant patient requires consideration of 2 patients: the mother and fetus. This article reviews the imaging tools available, and provides a wide range of information and images to inform the clinical decision making regarding imaging options for pregnant patients.