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Imaging Pregnant and Lactating Patients
- Source :
- RadioGraphics. 35:1751-1765
- Publication Year :
- 2015
- Publisher :
- Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), 2015.
-
Abstract
- As use of imaging in the evaluation of pregnant and lactating patients continues to increase, misperceptions of radiation and safety risks have proliferated, which has led to often unwarranted concerns among patients and clinicians. When radiologic examinations are appropriately used, the benefits derived from the information gained usually outweigh the risks. This review describes appropriateness and safety issues, estimated doses for imaging examinations that use iodizing radiation (ie, radiography, computed tomography, nuclear scintigraphy, and fluoroscopically guided interventional radiology), radiation risks to the mother and conceptus during various stages of pregnancy, and use of iodinated or gadolinium-based contrast agents and radiotracers in pregnant and lactating women. Maternal radiation risk must be weighed with the potential consequences of missing a life-threatening diagnosis such as pulmonary embolus. Fetal risks (ie, spontaneous abortion, teratogenesis, or carcinogenesis) vary with gestational age and imaging modality and should be considered in the context of the potential benefit of medically necessary diagnostic imaging. When feasible and medically indicated, modalities that do not use ionizing radiation (eg, magnetic resonance imaging) are preferred in pregnant and lactating patients. Radiologists should strive to minimize risks of radiation to the mother and fetus, counsel patients effectively, and promote a realistic understanding of risks related to imaging during pregnancy and lactation.
- Subjects :
- Diagnostic Imaging
medicine.medical_specialty
Radiography
Contrast Media
Context (language use)
Abortion
Radiation Dosage
Fetus
Pregnancy
Medical imaging
medicine
Humans
Lactation
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging
Breast
Informed Consent
medicine.diagnostic_test
Obstetrics
business.industry
Gestational age
Magnetic resonance imaging
Interventional radiology
Radiation Exposure
medicine.disease
Pregnancy Complications
Female
Patient Safety
Radiopharmaceuticals
business
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 15271323 and 02715333
- Volume :
- 35
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- RadioGraphics
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....4f4dc87db36b416b2d4d52b0bcadfdb6