Fetal Safety in MRI During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review
As medical imaging continues to expand, concerns about the potential risks of ionizing radiation to the developing fetus have led to a preference for non-radiation-based alternatives such as ultrasonography and fetal MRI. This review examines the current evidence on the safety of MRI during pregnanc...
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Diagnostics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/2/208 |
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| author | Gal Puris Angela Chetrit Eldad Katorza |
| author_facet | Gal Puris Angela Chetrit Eldad Katorza |
| author_sort | Gal Puris |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | As medical imaging continues to expand, concerns about the potential risks of ionizing radiation to the developing fetus have led to a preference for non-radiation-based alternatives such as ultrasonography and fetal MRI. This review examines the current evidence on the safety of MRI during pregnancy, with a focus on 3 T MRI and contrast agents, aiming to provide a comprehensive synthesis that informs clinical decision-making, ensures fetal safety and supports the safe use of all available modalities that could impact management. We conducted a comprehensive review of studies from 2000 to 2024 on MRI safety during pregnancy, focusing on 3 T MRI and gadolinium use. The review included peer-reviewed articles and large database studies, summarizing key findings and identifying areas for further research. Fetal MRI, used alongside ultrasound, enhances diagnostic accuracy for fetal anomalies, particularly in the brain, thorax, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, with no conclusive evidence of adverse effects on fetal development. While theoretical risks such as tissue heating and acoustic damage exist, studies show no significant harm at 1.5 T or 3 T, though caution is still advised in the first trimester. Regarding gadolinium-based contrast agents, the evidence is conflicting: while some studies suggest risks such as stillbirth and rheumatological conditions, animal studies show minimal fetal retention and no significant toxicity, and later clinical research has not substantiated these risks. The existing literature on fetal MRI is encouraging, suggesting minimal risks; however, further investigation through larger, prospective and long-term follow-up studies is essential to comprehensively determine its safety and late effects. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-00209d53607040baa117bc0299ecea80 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2075-4418 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Diagnostics |
| spelling | doaj-art-00209d53607040baa117bc0299ecea802025-01-24T13:29:07ZengMDPI AGDiagnostics2075-44182025-01-0115220810.3390/diagnostics15020208Fetal Safety in MRI During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive ReviewGal Puris0Angela Chetrit1Eldad Katorza2Arrow Program for Medical Research Education, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan 52621, IsraelGertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan 52621, IsraelArrow Program for Medical Research Education, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan 52621, IsraelAs medical imaging continues to expand, concerns about the potential risks of ionizing radiation to the developing fetus have led to a preference for non-radiation-based alternatives such as ultrasonography and fetal MRI. This review examines the current evidence on the safety of MRI during pregnancy, with a focus on 3 T MRI and contrast agents, aiming to provide a comprehensive synthesis that informs clinical decision-making, ensures fetal safety and supports the safe use of all available modalities that could impact management. We conducted a comprehensive review of studies from 2000 to 2024 on MRI safety during pregnancy, focusing on 3 T MRI and gadolinium use. The review included peer-reviewed articles and large database studies, summarizing key findings and identifying areas for further research. Fetal MRI, used alongside ultrasound, enhances diagnostic accuracy for fetal anomalies, particularly in the brain, thorax, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, with no conclusive evidence of adverse effects on fetal development. While theoretical risks such as tissue heating and acoustic damage exist, studies show no significant harm at 1.5 T or 3 T, though caution is still advised in the first trimester. Regarding gadolinium-based contrast agents, the evidence is conflicting: while some studies suggest risks such as stillbirth and rheumatological conditions, animal studies show minimal fetal retention and no significant toxicity, and later clinical research has not substantiated these risks. The existing literature on fetal MRI is encouraging, suggesting minimal risks; however, further investigation through larger, prospective and long-term follow-up studies is essential to comprehensively determine its safety and late effects.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/2/208MRI3 T MRIpregnancysafety |
| spellingShingle | Gal Puris Angela Chetrit Eldad Katorza Fetal Safety in MRI During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review Diagnostics MRI 3 T MRI pregnancy safety |
| title | Fetal Safety in MRI During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_full | Fetal Safety in MRI During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_fullStr | Fetal Safety in MRI During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Fetal Safety in MRI During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_short | Fetal Safety in MRI During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_sort | fetal safety in mri during pregnancy a comprehensive review |
| topic | MRI 3 T MRI pregnancy safety |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/2/208 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT galpuris fetalsafetyinmriduringpregnancyacomprehensivereview AT angelachetrit fetalsafetyinmriduringpregnancyacomprehensivereview AT eldadkatorza fetalsafetyinmriduringpregnancyacomprehensivereview |