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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can A CT Scan Affect The Fetus?

I am between 15 and 16 weeks pregnant and went to the ER for intermediate chest pains and tightness. The d-dimer blood test came back positive, slightly elevated. I did not want to undergo a CT scan with contrast but the doctor urged me to get it done to rule out a PE. We argued for awhile before I consented due to the risk of a blood clot In the lung. He assured me the baby would be fine and that the exposure to radiation is about the same as a cross country flight. He also stated the contrast does not pass the placenta. Research online has lead me to panic....I cannot verify his statements. The CT scan revealed that I do not have a clot in the lung. Can you please shed some light on this? Thank you.
Fri, 11 Dec 2015
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OBGYN,  's  Response
Hi,

CT scan of chest is not in the area of pregnant uterus to cause direct harm by the rays and the contrast does not cross the placenta. There is a very minimal 1/185000 chance of increase risk of cancer to the child, which I feel is very small compared to the need of the CT. As when we suspect pulmanory embolism in pregnancy a proper diagnosis by CT could be life saving for mother and fetus.

Hope this helps.
Regards.
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Can A CT Scan Affect The Fetus?

Hi, CT scan of chest is not in the area of pregnant uterus to cause direct harm by the rays and the contrast does not cross the placenta. There is a very minimal 1/185000 chance of increase risk of cancer to the child, which I feel is very small compared to the need of the CT. As when we suspect pulmanory embolism in pregnancy a proper diagnosis by CT could be life saving for mother and fetus. Hope this helps. Regards.