Fetal radiation dose in prophylactic uterine arterial embolization
Anna-Leena Manninen1, Kati Ojala, Miika T Nieminen
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, POB 50, 90029, Oulu, Finland, anna-leena.manninen@ppshp.fi.
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
|November 22, 2013
Summary
Optimized fluoroscopy imaging during uterine artery embolization for placenta accreta significantly reduces fetal absorbed dose (AD). This endovascular approach is safe, minimizing radiation risks for pregnant patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Placenta accreta poses significant risks during pregnancy.
- Endovascular procedures like uterine artery embolization are used for management.
- Assessing fetal radiation exposure is crucial for safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate fetal absorbed dose (AD) during fluoroscopy for placenta accreta.
- To evaluate the safety of optimized endovascular procedures.
- To determine if radiation optimization reduces fetal AD.
Main Methods:
- Seven pregnant patients with placenta accreta underwent prophylactic catheterization.
- Optimized pulsed fluoroscopy confirmed catheter placement.
- Fetal AD measured using vaginal radiophotoluminescence dosimeters.
- Dose area product (DAP), entrance skin exposure (ESE), and fluoroscopy time (Tf) recorded.
Main Results:
- Mean fetal AD in the vaginal fornix was 11.2 mGy.
- Mean DAP was 1,122 cGy cm(2).
- Mean ESE was 120 mGy with a mean Tf of 7:31 min:sec.
Conclusions:
- Optimized pulsed fluoroscopy without angiography minimizes fetal AD.
- The endovascular method is safe, with AD below developmental disorder risk thresholds.
- Radiation optimization is key for safe fluoroscopic interventions in pregnant patients.
