[Radiodiagnosis and irradiated pregnancies]

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Physics
• Obstetrics

Background:

• X-ray examinations can inadvertently expose fetuses to radiation during early pregnancy.
• Accidental fetal irradiation necessitates understanding radiation effects and implementing protective measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline strategies for minimizing fetal radiation exposure during X-ray examinations in pregnant women.
• To detail the risks associated with fetal irradiation at different gestational stages.
• To compare radiation doses from conventional radiography and computed tomography.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiation protection principles for pregnant patients.
• Analysis of factors influencing fetal dose in X-ray and computed tomography (CT).
• Discussion of fetal dose thresholds and their implications for pregnancy management.

Main Results:

• The ten-day rule and non-irradiating techniques are vital for preventing accidental fetal exposure.
• Fetal dose is dependent on imaging parameters (mAs, kV, filtration, slice thickness).
• Doses below 100 mGy are generally considered safe, while >500 mGy during organogenesis can cause severe harm.

Conclusions:

• Physicians must employ radiation safety protocols, including the ten-day rule, for pregnant patients.
• CT scans deliver higher doses than conventional radiography.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) appears safe during pregnancy with no demonstrated teratogenic effects.