Magnetic Resonance Safety: Pregnancy and Lactation

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2020 Nov;28(4):509-516. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2020.06.002. Epub 2020 Sep 17.

Abstract

MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool with excellent soft tissue contrast that uses nonionizing radiation. These advantages make MRI an appealing modality for imaging the pregnant patient; however, specific risks inherent to the magnetic resonance environment must be considered. MRI may be performed without and/or with intravenous contrast, which adds further fetal considerations. The risks of MRI with and without intravenous contrast are reviewed as they pertain to the pregnant or lactating patient and to the fetus and nursing infant. Relevant issues for gadolinium-based contrast agents and ultrasmall paramagnetic iron oxide particles are reviewed.

Keywords: Ferumoxytol; GBCA; Gadolinium; Lactation; MRI; Pregnancy; Safety.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lactation / physiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / adverse effects
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Patient Safety*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / prevention & control*
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*