title: [Radiographic, MR or ultrasound contrast media in pregnant or breast-feeding women: what are the key issues?].
abstract: The use and the safety of radiographic, MR- or ultrasound contrast media in the diagnostic work-up of pregnant or lactating patients is a frequently discussed question. As only sparse clinical data is available, a careful benefit-risk assessment must contain physico-chemical properties, preclinical data including teratogeneity and embryotoxicity, as well as maternal and foetal exposure. With consideration to the individual risks, iodinated contrast media, macrocyclic MR contrast media with increased stability or sulphur hexafluoride ultrasound contrast media may, if clinically justified, be administered in the smallest possible doses throughout pregnancy. After parental administration of an iodinated contrast medium after the 12th week of pregnancy, the neonate's thyroidal function should be checked during the first week after birth. After parental administration of iodinated, stable macrocyclic, gadolinium or ultrasound contrast media, lactation can be continued normally. In any case, contrast media should be used with caution and only if the benefits outweigh the risk.
authors.affiliation: Guerbet Zürich, Guerbet AG, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Fröhlich
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Kubik-Huch
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media