Use of transesophageal echocardiography for delivery of a parturient with severe pulmonary hypertension.

The anesthetic management of a parturient with severe pulmonary hypertension during labor and subsequent cesarean delivery is presented. Transesophageal echocardiography was used intraoperatively to manage the patient's hemodynamics, while pulmonary artery pressure monitoring was of little use. The benefits of transesophageal echocardiography for management of these patients are discussed.