[Which imaging methods are safe in pregnant patients? A step-by-step plan to choose the right method]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2022 Mar 17:166:D6377.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Diagnostic imaging in pregnant patients often causes worries about radiation effects and IV contrast. We use a step-by-step plan to choose the right method and illustrate this with a case. First, we choose the method of imaging, non-ionizing imaging being preferred over ionizing. With ionizing radiation, the fetal dose is limited as much as possible with teratogenic and carcinogenic risk as low as possible (as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)). The second consideration is whether intravenous contrast medium is necessary. The risks of the imaging procedure for the fetus (and patient) are compared with the risks for the patient (and fetus) without imaging. Furthermore, possible treatment changes are important. Finally, the patient is informed about the procedure, the necessity of it and possible negative effects for the fetus and patient. In our case these risks were minimal and it was not necessary to explicitly discuss them with the patient.

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Fetus / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetus / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Radiation Injuries* / etiology
  • Radiation, Ionizing

Substances

  • Contrast Media