Computed Tomography in Pregnant Patients.

Computed tomography (CT) is performed with increasing frequency on pregnant women. Although exposure to a single abdominal CT does not appear to increase the risk of spontaneous abortion or congenital malformations, it is thought to double the risk of childhood cancer. This article provides a general overview of radiation risks to fetuses, what patients and health care workers know and believe about these risks, how CT is currently being used in the care of pregnant patients, and how the risks associated with this use can be managed. The goal of this overview is to stimulate discussion among health care providers in diagnostic imaging, to help them deal with their patients' concerns, and to help them come to terms with their own concerns when they are called on to perform CT on pregnant women.