Christine O Menias, Khaled M Elsayes, Christine M Peterson, Alvaro Huete, Brett I Gratz, Sanjeev Bhalla
During pregnancy, the risk of radiation exposure to the fetus is increased so that more than the usual benefit is necessary to justify computed tomography (CT; or other radiation exposure) than in non-pregnant patients. In the setting of a life-threatening illness, CT may be indicated to assess for potentially fatal complications such as hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. After delivery, patients rarely develop serious problems requiring radiologic evaluation. When indicated, however, CT may be invaluable in making the diagnosis or determining the severity of peri- and post-partum complications, including uterine perforation, hemorrhage, endometritis, thrombophlebitis, and abscess formation...
March 2007: Emergency Radiology