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Imaging Considerations in Pregnancy

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Emergency Department Management of Obstetric Complications

Abstract

Pregnant women commonly present to the emergency department (ED) for a variety of complaints, and often their evaluation includes diagnostic imaging studies. Confusion exists over how to image a pregnant patient appropriately and safely, and useful diagnostic tests are often unnecessarily avoided. Multiple factors play a role in deciding how and when to use imaging to aid in diagnosis; therefore, possessing a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of each imaging modality is essential. Imaging studies commonly used in the ED include ultrasonography, X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine. Importantly, a necessary diagnostic test should not be withheld from a pregnant patient out of concern for the possible risk to the fetus.

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Correspondence to Diana Ladkany B.S., M.D. .

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Ladkany, D., Layman, K. (2017). Imaging Considerations in Pregnancy. In: Borhart, J. (eds) Emergency Department Management of Obstetric Complications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54410-6_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54410-6_13

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