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Routine chest roentgenography in pregnancy
JAMA
|December 15, 1978
Summary
Routine prenatal chest roentgenograms are not essential, as clinical evaluation alone can identify most significant abnormalities. This retrospective study of 12,109 deliveries suggests focusing on patient history and physical exams for prenatal care.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Radiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Prenatal care often includes diagnostic imaging to ensure maternal and fetal well-being.
- The utility of routine chest roentgenograms during pregnancy has been questioned due to potential risks and benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the practical value and diagnostic yield of routine prenatal chest roentgenograms.
- To determine if clinical assessment alone could have predicted the need for chest imaging.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 12,109 deliveries at the Mayo Clinic.
- Analysis of chest roentgenograms obtained during prenatal visits.
- Correlation of imaging findings with patient history and physical examination results.
Main Results:
- Forty-eight patients (0.4%) had appreciable roentgenographic abnormalities.
- In all cases, a positive patient history or abnormal physical finding would have indicated the abnormality or the need for roentgenography.
Conclusions:
- Routine prenatal chest roentgenograms appear to have limited practical value.
- Clinical evaluation, including patient history and physical examination, is sufficient for identifying significant chest abnormalities during pregnancy.