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Medicolegal considerations associated with cancer during pregnancy

  • Special Section: Cancer in Pregnancy
  • Published:
Abdominal Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The management of pregnant patients with cancer is complex and requires a multidisciplinary team to effectively diagnose, stage, and manage the cancer while also being cognizant of the potential harm that diagnosis and treatment may have on the maternal and fetal well-being. Beyond the complex clinical management of these patients is additional medicolegal consideration. Radiologists play a crucial role in the management of these patients as their knowledge of diagnostic and interventional radiology techniques allows for appropriate and safe imaging for both the mother and fetus. In addition, radiologist are able to educate patient on the different imaging modalities and techniques, thus allowing patients to make informed decisions and maintain autonomy over there care. This article will review safety considerations associated with different imaging modalities, contrast agents, interventional radiology procedures and moderate sedation related to the imaging of pregnant patient with cancer with specific attention paid to the medicolegal aspects.

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Notes

  1. The FDA no longer utilizes a lettering system to classify medications for use during pregnancy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Hospital Long Island, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA

    Miltiadis Tembelis

  2. Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA

    Katherine C. Frederick-Dyer, Virginia B. Planz & Mariam Moshiri

  3. Brentwood, TN, 37027, USA

    J. Logan Dyer

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Tembelis, M., Frederick-Dyer, K.C., Dyer, J.L. et al. Medicolegal considerations associated with cancer during pregnancy. Abdom Radiol 48, 1637–1644 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-022-03776-y

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