MRI of Acute Abdominal and Pelvic Non-obstetric Conditions in Pregnancy

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The evaluation of abdominal and pelvic pain in the pregnant patient presents unique challenges due to altered physiology and implications of radiation exposure on the fetus. In many instances, a radiologist must consider the potential risk of fetal injury from ionizing radiation and maintaining diagnostic quality imaging. This article will focus on the role of MR imaging and its applications in a variety of acute abdomen and pelvic non-obstetric conditions potentially affecting the pregnant patient.

Recent Findings

Non-contrast MR imaging is routinely employed in the presence of an initial equivocal ultrasound. However, MR is playing an increasingly more important role in the imaging of the pregnant patient, potentially surpassing the utility of conventional imaging techniques.

Summary

As radiologists become more comfortable interpretating abdominal and pelvic MRI, MR will play a bigger role in imaging the pregnant patient in the emergency room, in the years to come.