Use of Positron Emission Tomography for Pregnancy-Associated Cancer Assessment: A Review

Background. Positron emission tomography (PET) has proven clinical utility both in the initial and relapse staging phase, but this technique is controversial during pregnancy. The objective of this review is to provide a compendium of available information on the use of PET during pregnancy. Materials and methods. A systematic literature review was conducted from 1 January 2004 until 20 May 2021. A total of 4 small series and 9 case reports consisting of 25 cases were selected. Results. During the first trimester, the fetus is most sensitive to ionization damage, so lower doses are recommended (2.6E-02 mGy/MBq). Fetal-effective doses are higher in this period and the average fetal dose (4.06 +/- 3.22 mGy) remains significantly below the threshold for deterministic effects. During the second and third trimesters, recommended doses are higher (1.4E-02 mGy/MBq at 6 months, and 6.9E-03 mGy/MBq at 9 months of gestation). F-18-FDG activity was distributed to the whole fetus with a prevalence of myocardial tissue in seven cases. The use of special precautions, such as PET-magnetic resonance (MR) and urinary bladder catheterization, reduces the amount of radioactive tracer. Breastfeeding interruption is not recommended. Conclusions. F-18-FDG PET is not contraindicated in pregnancy, but multidisciplinary discussion is necessary and strict precautions are recommended.

Automated summary

This review examines the use of PET during pregnancy, finding that lower doses are recommended in the first trimester to minimize fetal effects, while higher doses can be used in the second and third trimesters. Special precautions, such as PET-MR and bladder catheterization, can reduce the amount of radioactive tracer used.