Abstract.
The possible detrimental effects on the developing embryo subsequent to irradiation are discussed. The doses to the embryo or fetus encountered for the most common procedures in diagnostic nuclear medicine are evaluated with respect to the threshold doses and the risks per cGy. The threshold dose for fatal and non-fatal malformations or other defects is, at the lowest estimate, 5–10 cGy. The dose which the embryo or fetus receives from diagnostic nuclear medicine is below 1 cGy. For the induction of fatal cancer and for genetic defects no threshold dose is assumed. The risk for the induction of cancer is 0.03%–0.05% per cGy. The risk for the induction of genetic defects is even lower (0.024%–0.099% per cGy). It is concluded that for common diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures the risk of detrimental effects on the embryo or fetus due to radiation is negligible. On the basis of present knowledge there are no radiation safety indications for abortus provocatus as a consequence of a diagnostic nuclear medicine study.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Steenvoorde, P., Pauwels, E., Harding, L. et al. Diagnostic nuclear medicine and risk for the fetus. Eur J Nucl Med 25, 193–199 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002590050215
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002590050215