Left ventricular kinetic energy by 4D-flow CMR is unaffected in women 4–7 years after preeclampsia compared to after normotensive pregnancies

Motivation: Women with pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia have a higher risk for developing future cardiovascular disease compared to women with normotensive pregnancies. This indicates persistent cardiovascular changes, although the underlying mechanisms are still not clear. Goal(s): Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how the heart adapts to prior preeclampsia by analyzing intracardiac blood flow. Approach: Left ventricular kinetic energy calculated from 4D flow CMR imaging was compared between women with prior preeclampsia 4-7 years ago and women with normotensive pregnancies. Results: Kinetic energy did not differ between the groups, suggesting limited clinical value of this biomarker. Impact: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. This study demonstrates that kinetic energy analysis of intracardiac blood flow, suggested as a new imaging biomarker of cardiac health, has limited clinical value after preeclampsia.