Medical visualization in pregnancy: indications, limitations and prospects

Abstract

The present paper reports available modern data about the safety of medical visualization, including US, MRI, CT, PET and scintigraphy. In all accessed papers, objects are pregnant women and fetuses – the most vulnerable of all groups of patients. We summarize data concerning exposure to radiodiagnostic procedures during pregnancy and approaches to diminish the potential risk. We analyzed articles published between 2003 and 2023 using PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords included: MR-safety, pregnancy, CT, MRI, US, scintigraphy. The list of found articles consisted of more the 2000 items. We analyzed more than 100 articles in Russian and English and included 63 items in the current review. Primarily we dealt with clinical guidelines based on randomized trials on the safety of radiological methods during pregnancy. Hopefully, presented information, including the latest international recommendations, will help clinicians and patients pursue realistic and informed approaches and minimize anxiety.