Embryo/Fetus Doses from ¹⁸F-Fludeoxyglucose Radiopharmaceutical in Positron Emission Tomography/ Computed Tomography

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Accidental exposure of embryo/fetus to ionizing radiation is a concern.
• Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans using F-18 fludeoxyglucose (FDG) are increasingly utilized in medical imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To calculate embryo/fetus radiation doses in pregnant women who underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT scans.
• To assess the safety and radiation exposure associated with F-18 FDG PET/CT in pregnant patients.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen pregnant women undergoing F-18 FDG PET/CT scans between June 2015 and June 2021 were analyzed.
• Internal dosimetry was performed using the OLINDA/EXM package program based on the Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) scheme.
• Embryo/fetus absorbed dose from the CT component was computed using FetDose V4 software.

Main Results:

• The mean embryo/fetal dose from F-18 FDG was 7.2 ± 2.8 mGy.
• The CT component contributed a mean dose of 12.14 ± 2.05 mGy, ranging from 8.5 to 16 mGy.
• The total mean embryo/fetal dose from F-18 FDG PET/CT was less than 15 mGy.

Conclusions:

• F-18 FDG PET/CT scans result in a total embryo/fetal dose below 15 mGy.
• Screening women for childbearing potential before scintigraphy is crucial to prevent accidental radiation exposure and associated stochastic risks.