Premium
Imaging in pregnancy
Author(s) -
Eastwood KellyAnn,
Mohan Aarthi R
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the obstetrician and gynaecologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1744-4667
pISSN - 1467-2561
DOI - 10.1111/tog.12604
Subject(s) - pregnancy , medicine , medical imaging , magnetic resonance imaging , modalities , modality (human–computer interaction) , medical physics , obstetrics , intensive care medicine , radiology , computer science , genetics , biology , social science , human–computer interaction , sociology
Key content The appropriate use of imaging in pregnancy is necessary for prompt investigation and management of acute and chronic medical symptoms. Healthcare professionals should consider carefully which imaging modality and scanned area of interest will yield maximum diagnostic information. The use of shielding techniques significantly reduces the dose of ionising radiation to which the fetus is exposed. Theoretical concerns regarding magnetic resonance imaging use in pregnancy have not been supported in human studies. Gadolinium contrast should be avoided in pregnancy unless the maternal benefits outweigh fetal and neonatal risks.Learning objectives To review the safety of different imaging modalities in pregnancy. To understand the risks and benefits of various imaging techniques in pregnancy. To review the investigations required to image common medical symptoms encountered by obstetricians.Ethical issues Do obstetricians adequately counsel women regarding safety of imaging in pregnancy to enable them to give informed consent for the procedure?