title: Cardiothoracic imaging in the pregnant patient.
abstract: Cardiovascular imaging during pregnancy poses a unique challenge to clinicians in differentiating between physiological changes mimicking pathology and true pathologic conditions, as well as for radiologists in terms of image quality. This review article will focus on 3 goals: first, to familiarize radiologists with safety issues related to imaging pregnant women using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging; second, to review the current, evidence-based recommendations for radiology topics unique and common to pregnant and lactating patients; and third, to provide practical algorithms to minimize risk and increase safety for both the pregnant woman and the fetus.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA †Department of Radiology, Epicura Hospital, Baudour, Belgium.
authors.forename: Diana E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Litmanovich
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tack
authors.forename: Karen S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shahrzad
authors.forename: Alexander A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Bankier
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D057791:Cardiac Imaging Techniques; D003287:Contrast Media; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000528:radiation effects; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D009622:Noise; D061214:Patient Safety; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection; D013896:Thoracic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media