Nikki Tirada MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Anjeza Chukus MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael Holmes Secrist MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

David Dreizin MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Robert K. Zeman MD, Abstract Co-Author: Stockholder, General Electric Company

Utilization of Computed Tomography (CT) has increased exponentially in recent years. It is the imaging study of choice in providing timely and accurate diagnoses in the acutely ill patient. Imaging the acutely ill population necessitates performing studies on the occasional pregnant patient. Incomplete understanding of the effects of ionizing radiation exposure leads to disagreement among clinicians and concern among patients. It is imperative for radiologists to know the potential consequences of radiation exposure in order to provide explanations and evidence-based recommendations. Additionally, care must be taken to strive for the concept of ALARA doses of radiation while producing diagnostic quality imaging.

We will discuss the possible effects of radiation, oral and IV contrast on the fetus and how should it be explained to the patient when obtaining informed consent. We will review CT techniques that can reduce radiation doses to the fetus. We will provide a comparison of the estimated fetal absorbed dose from various CT examinations. We will explain the rationale for imaging versus alternative diagnostic studies in various clinical scenarios with up-to-date recommendations. We will address multiple common misconceptions among physicians and patients, such as the use of shielding on CT of the chest.  

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14013741/14013741_6wxs.pdf

Tirada, N, Chukus, A, Secrist, M, Dreizin, D, Zeman, R, CT Imaging of Pregnant Patients: Fetal Dose and Beyond.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14013741.html