Safety and Concerns of Diagnostic Imaging Utilisation during Pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy is special situation where human body of pregnant woman undergoes various physiological changes. These changes are complex and involve in a way all anatomical systems. Medical care during pregnancy is interesting and often challenging as it often engages medical management and diagnostic procedures that can place at risk the fetus and the mother as well. Diagnostic imaging modalities are available for diagnostic use during pregnancy. These include X-ray, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT), and other modalities as well. Ultrasonography so far is the most common diagnostic imaging modality used during pregnancy; however, other modalities may be required to be employed. Diagnostic X-ray is the most frequent cause of anxiety for obstetricians and patients as well. To a great extent of this concern is secondary to a general belief that any radiation exposure is harmful and will result in an anomalous fetus. This anxiety could lead to inappropriate therapeutic abortion and lawsuit. Actually, most diagnostic radiologic procedures are associated with little, if any, known significant fetal risks. The concern and anxiety among obstetricians, physicians in general and patients as well is present in almost all of them in Albania, though, concerns of this kind exist even in well organised medical systems in developed countries. Having mentioned that, however, in latter one they are isolated cases as physicians are well informed as medical specialists work in close collaboration with interdisciplinary approach of health care delivery as a team. On the other hand, patient education is a great tool in transmitting proper professional information to interested population in regards of this matter. Conclusions: Since according to the American College of Radiology and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, no single diagnostic X-ray procedure results in radiation exposure to a degree that would threaten the well-being of the developing preembryo, embryo, or fetus, Albanian physician must counsel patients appropriately about the potential risks and measures that can reduce diagnostic X-ray exposure. Keywords: Diagnostic imaging modalities, pregnancy, exposure, risk, utilisation, appropriate.