Imaging of Trauma in Pregnancy

Radiol Clin North Am. 2023 Jan;61(1):129-139. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2022.07.006. Epub 2022 Oct 7.

Abstract

A pregnant patient with acute trauma is not commonly encountered by clinicians and radiologists. A multidisciplinary approach is key. Although radiography and ultrasound examination are frequently used modalities in the setting of maternal-fetal trauma, the fear of radiation should not preclude from carrying out a thorough diagnostic workup of the patient with a computed tomography scan. MRI mainly serves as a problem solving and follow-up modality. After stabilizing the mother, fetal well-being should be assessed with external fetal monitoring and a dedicated obstetric ultrasound examination. Radiologists should be familiar with the sonographic and computed tomography findings of catastrophic entities.

Keywords: Diagnostic imaging; Magnetic resonance imaging; Multidetector computed tomography; Pregnancy; Trauma; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Pregnancy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*