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Semin Neurol 2011; 31(4): 361-373
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1293535
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Neuroimaging during Pregnancy

Joshua P. Klein1 , 2 , Liangge Hsu1
  • 1Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
  • 2Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 November 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Pregnancy can be associated with a wide variety of neurologic problems, resulting from alterations in physiology of the pregnant state. The pregnant patient presenting with neurologic symptoms poses both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The physician will often require some form of neuroimaging as part of their ongoing evaluation. This review discusses potential risks to the embryo and fetus that can be caused by undergoing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including those associated with the administration of intravenous contrast. Neurologic diseases or syndromes specifically associated with pregnancy are also discussed.

KEYWORDS

Radiation safety - contrast - computed tomography - magnetic resonance imaging - stroke - vasoconstriction - eclampsia - lactation

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Joshua P KleinM.D. Ph.D. 

Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital

75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115

Email: jpklein@partners.org