Fetal Radiation Risk Due to X-ray Procedures Performed on Pregnant Women

Summary

The paper provides a review of information regarding fetal doses and subsequent detrimental effects from X-ray procedures performed on pregnant patients. Fetal doses from X-ray procedures performed outside the abdomen and pelvic area are negligible and there is no reason for concern. Fetal doses from radiography of the abdomen and/or pelvic area can be as high as several mSv and, therefore, still far away from a threshold for detrimental effects. Fetal doses from CT, fluoroscopy and interventional procedures in the abdomen and/or pelvic area can exceed the threshold of 100 mSv for detrimental effects. It is necessary to make an accurate estimate of the fetal dose based on exposure parameters and used projections. If the estimated fetal dose is higher than 500 mSv, some detrimental effects will appear. If the estimated fetal dose is in the range of 100–500 mSv, the phase of the pregnancy as well as other aspects (ethical, religious...) need to be considered before making any decision. An estimated fetal dose lower than 100 mSv does not represent any risk of detrimental effects for the fetus.

Key words:
fetal dose – X-ray procedure – detrimental effects – stochastic effects

The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.

The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE “uniform requirements” for biomedical papers.