During pre, there are some alterations in physiological state of pregnancy which leads to variety of neurological problems.
Pregnant patient with neurologic problems carries both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
The physicians often require some form of neuro imaging as part of their ongoing evaluation.
Safety of CT and MRI during pregnancy.
Whenever the imaging study in a pregnant patient is considered, risks to the fetus must be balanced with the health of mother.
CT ?
Off course carries risk of radiation to fetus.
The harmful effects of radiation depend on the stage of gestation, the total dose of radiation, and the rate.
As per animal studies, highest sensitivity appears to be during the period prior to conception when developing embryo has not yet been implanted in the uterus, during these first 2 week there is all-or-nothing effect that is either no effect or demise of the embryo.
During organogenesis, 3rd to 8th wk after conception, risks to the developing embryo is variable ranges from congenital malformations to growth retardation or neonatal death.
During the fetal period of development, 6 weeks after conception to birth, irradiation is unlikely to result in gross malformations. However, may result in mental retardation.
As per available data, the dose required to have mental retardation is 12–20 rad which is far higher than the dose achieved in today’s diagnostic procedures.
The fetal radiation dose during CT Brain of mother is less than 0.01 rad, whereas CT abdomen is 0.25–2.5 rad which is far low.
Some believe than there is increase risk of childhood cancer like leukemia but the figures from recent studies mention that there is extremely small added risk for children of patients who have undergone diagnostic imaging during pregnancy. Even multiple CT of the abdomen would only minimally increase the natural risk of childhood cancer.
Now what if patient is found pregnant after CT study is done?
1. She should she be informed of the fetal radiation.
2. She and her family needs to counseled that exposure to less than 5 rad …is not associated with definite risk of spontaneous abortion, cong malformations, or mental retardation. This over concern should not prevent medically necessary procedures from being performed.
MRI ?
As far as neuroimaging i e Brain and Spine in concerned MRI often preferable to CT and is considered to be safe during pregnancy.
But one should delay elective MRI if possible as its believed that there is a strong magnetic field, minimal increase in body temperature, and there is lot of noise that may affect developing chochlea of fetus.
Intra venous Contrast ?
The problem is that we don’t have well-controlled studies in pregnant women, but animal studies have failed to show association of teratogenicity or mutagenicity with use of contrast.
However CT contrast is rated as a class B drug where as MRI contrast is rated as a class C drug by the FDA so better avoid both unless no alternative exists.
Contrast during Lactation ?
Let it be CT or MRI, estimated delivery of contrast from mother to baby via breast milk is extremely low so there is no need to stop breast feeding following CT or MRI Contrast.
Neurologic Diseases Associated With Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes changes in the hemodynamic, endocrine, and hematologic systems, which may predispose to stroke during pregnancy.
Neuroimaging features of stroke are not going to change in pregnant and non pregnant pt.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Presentation is often headache, seizures, encephalopathy, papilledema, or focal neurologic deficits.
MRI is investigation of choice as there is no radiation, its high Resolution and have MR Venography option which is possible without contrast. No need of keeping patient Nil by mouth (NBM).
MRI can elegantly demonstrate thrombosed dural venous sinus or deep cerebral vein. Associated infarction and intraparenchymal hemorrhage.
Thrombosed right parietal para sagittal cortical veins with low signal intensity thrombus on GRE
A case of deep cerebral venous thrombosis_ bilateral thalamic venous infarcts. Thrombosed straight sinus not visualised on MR Venogram.
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
A multisystem disorder seen in the later stages of pregnancy / in the first 6 to 8 weeks after delivery.
Exact etiology is not clear, but the circulating toxins released from the placenta believed to cause vascular pathology.
Preeclampsia, a less-severe form of the disorder, occurs in ~5% of pregnancies, characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. Clinically usually asymptomatic, may present with headaches, sudden or unusual severe edema, visual changes.
Eclapsia , a severe form characterized by seizures.
MRI findings of preeclampsia and eclampsia are same, the combined term used in imaging diagnosis is Hyper tensive encephalopathy / Posterior reversible encephalopathy.
HELLP, a severe form seen in ~ 10% of patients and is a life-threatening condition characterized by hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.
This low platelet count can lead to intra parenchymal bleed without any CVT on MR Venogram.
A typical case of HELLP, low platelet count and raised liver enzymes.
MRI Brain shows left frontal bleed with left fronto parietal sub dural hematoma. Normal MR Angiography and Venography of Brain, done to rule out any associated vascular malformation.
Postpartum Angiopathy
A reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome involves medium-sized intracranial arteries.
Patient often present with thunderclap headache, acute as well as focal neurologic deficits.
MRI Brain with MR Angio investigation of choice. No contrast. No NBM.
MRI may demonstrate recent infarcts along border zones. Stenosis / vessel occlusion on MR Angio.
MRI Brain diffusion shows multiple recent infarcts along bilateral cortical border zones. MR Angiography of Brain shows multifocal intracranial stenosis.
Meningioma
Meningiomas may dramatically increase in size during pregnancy as some of them represent hormonal receptors.
Presentation depends on its size and location, varies from elevated intracranial pressure, visual impairment with optic nerve atrophy to seizure.
Choriocarcinoma with Metastasis
A malignant trophoblastic tumor.
May occur after a normal pregnancy, or can be seen in the context of abortion, molar or ectopic pregnancy.
Can metastasize to the liver, lung, or in 10% of cases to the brain.
Choriocarcinoma and its mets a highly vascular tumor and therefore very susceptible to bleed.
Presentation may be headache, focal neurologic deficits, seizures, encephalopathy, raised ICT.
Pituitary Apoplexy
During pregnancy the pituitary gland tends to grow in size and some time it outstrips its vascular supply leading to hemorrhagic and/or ischemic changes.
Presentation is usually sudden headache, nausea, or vomiting, loss of consciousness.
Due to the close proximity of the pituitary gland to the optic chiasm and cranial nerves III, IV, and VI may present with multiple CN Palsy.
A case of pituitary apoplexy showing enlargement of pituitary with bleed on MRI mid sagittal non contrast T1w section.
Sheehan syndrome
A hypopituitarism secondary to severe blood loss and hypo volemic shock during labour resulting in Ischemia and necrosis of pituitary .
On MRI, lack of normal enhancement on post contrast images is a diagnostic clue.
Once bleed or ischemia resolves, on follow-up imaging one may find Empty sella due to loss of tissue volume.
Lymphocytic Hypophysitis
An autoimmune condition of the pituitary occurs in late pregnancy or the postpartum period due to Lymphocytic infiltration of the pituitary gland, infundibulum.
Enlargement of pituitary gland with abnormal enhancement on MRI is a diagnostic clue.
Wernicke's Encephalopathy
Caused by thiamine deficiency.
Common in chronic alcoholics however pregnant patients with hyperemesis gravidarum due to malnutrition due to nausea and vomiting and increased fetal metabolic demand for thiamine, land up with thiamine deficiency.
Characterized by triad of Acute encephalopathy, Ataxia, and Ophthalmoplegia or Coma alone.
With early diagnosis, can be rapidly reversed with IV high dose of thiamine and fatal if left untreated.
MRI is investigation of choice.
Multiple Sclerosis
Commonly affects 20 to 50 Years females i e reproductive age group.
Nothing specifically different in the neuroimaging of pregnant / non preg MS patients however pregnancy, affect the relapse rate, as relapses decrease in frequency throughout pregnancy but increase in the postpartum period.
Increased estriols level during pregnancy result in T2 mediated immune shift in MS.
MRI investigation of choice.
Pregnancy-related Back Pain
Backache is common during pregnancy cause can be hormone-induced laxity of spinal ligaments, Gravid uterus exerting pressure on the lumbosacral plexus or increased lordosis in pregnancy.
MRI is the best, can visualize spine , spinal cord as well as nerve roots which is not possible with CT.
Better post pone MRI too.
But Strong indications for MRI are cauda equina syndrome, acute weakness, radiating pain, bowel bladder involvement.
MRI may reveal Disc herniation causing cord, cauda equina or nerve root compression and cord demyelination in patient of lower limb weakness.
Epidural hematoma can occur rarely in association with pregnancy, either spontaneous related to increased abdominal pressure during delivery or as a complication of epidural anesthesia.
Conclusion
As far as safely is concerned MRI is safe than CT. However post pone both CT as well as MRI if possible.
As far as Neuro imaging is concerned the treating physician, radiologist should be aware of these conditions which are common during pregnancy. Even the MRI technician should be trained for this to do necessary changes in a given study depending upon the findings while doing MRI like running Angio or Veno sequence as and when required.
Pregnant patient with neurologic problems carries both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
The physicians often require some form of neuro imaging as part of their ongoing evaluation.
Safety of CT and MRI during pregnancy.
Whenever the imaging study in a pregnant patient is considered, risks to the fetus must be balanced with the health of mother.
CT ?
Off course carries risk of radiation to fetus.
The harmful effects of radiation depend on the stage of gestation, the total dose of radiation, and the rate.
As per animal studies, highest sensitivity appears to be during the period prior to conception when developing embryo has not yet been implanted in the uterus, during these first 2 week there is all-or-nothing effect that is either no effect or demise of the embryo.
During organogenesis, 3rd to 8th wk after conception, risks to the developing embryo is variable ranges from congenital malformations to growth retardation or neonatal death.
During the fetal period of development, 6 weeks after conception to birth, irradiation is unlikely to result in gross malformations. However, may result in mental retardation.
As per available data, the dose required to have mental retardation is 12–20 rad which is far higher than the dose achieved in today’s diagnostic procedures.
The fetal radiation dose during CT Brain of mother is less than 0.01 rad, whereas CT abdomen is 0.25–2.5 rad which is far low.
Some believe than there is increase risk of childhood cancer like leukemia but the figures from recent studies mention that there is extremely small added risk for children of patients who have undergone diagnostic imaging during pregnancy. Even multiple CT of the abdomen would only minimally increase the natural risk of childhood cancer.
Now what if patient is found pregnant after CT study is done?
1. She should she be informed of the fetal radiation.
2. She and her family needs to counseled that exposure to less than 5 rad …is not associated with definite risk of spontaneous abortion, cong malformations, or mental retardation. This over concern should not prevent medically necessary procedures from being performed.
MRI ?
As far as neuroimaging i e Brain and Spine in concerned MRI often preferable to CT and is considered to be safe during pregnancy.
But one should delay elective MRI if possible as its believed that there is a strong magnetic field, minimal increase in body temperature, and there is lot of noise that may affect developing chochlea of fetus.
Intra venous Contrast ?
The problem is that we don’t have well-controlled studies in pregnant women, but animal studies have failed to show association of teratogenicity or mutagenicity with use of contrast.
However CT contrast is rated as a class B drug where as MRI contrast is rated as a class C drug by the FDA so better avoid both unless no alternative exists.
Contrast during Lactation ?
Let it be CT or MRI, estimated delivery of contrast from mother to baby via breast milk is extremely low so there is no need to stop breast feeding following CT or MRI Contrast.
Neurologic Diseases Associated With Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes changes in the hemodynamic, endocrine, and hematologic systems, which may predispose to stroke during pregnancy.
Neuroimaging features of stroke are not going to change in pregnant and non pregnant pt.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Presentation is often headache, seizures, encephalopathy, papilledema, or focal neurologic deficits.
MRI is investigation of choice as there is no radiation, its high Resolution and have MR Venography option which is possible without contrast. No need of keeping patient Nil by mouth (NBM).
MRI can elegantly demonstrate thrombosed dural venous sinus or deep cerebral vein. Associated infarction and intraparenchymal hemorrhage.
Thrombosed superior sagittal sinus, note low signal intensity thrombus on GRE.
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
A multisystem disorder seen in the later stages of pregnancy / in the first 6 to 8 weeks after delivery.
Exact etiology is not clear, but the circulating toxins released from the placenta believed to cause vascular pathology.
Preeclampsia, a less-severe form of the disorder, occurs in ~5% of pregnancies, characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. Clinically usually asymptomatic, may present with headaches, sudden or unusual severe edema, visual changes.
Eclapsia , a severe form characterized by seizures.
MRI findings of preeclampsia and eclampsia are same, the combined term used in imaging diagnosis is Hyper tensive encephalopathy / Posterior reversible encephalopathy.
MRI Brain axial FLAIR images show bilateral fronto parietal T2 white matter hyper intensities without restricted diffusion, and with normal MR Venogram of Brain which is very typical of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy
This low platelet count can lead to intra parenchymal bleed without any CVT on MR Venogram.
MRI Brain shows left frontal bleed with left fronto parietal sub dural hematoma. Normal MR Angiography and Venography of Brain, done to rule out any associated vascular malformation.
Postpartum Angiopathy
A reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome involves medium-sized intracranial arteries.
Patient often present with thunderclap headache, acute as well as focal neurologic deficits.
MRI Brain with MR Angio investigation of choice. No contrast. No NBM.
MRI may demonstrate recent infarcts along border zones. Stenosis / vessel occlusion on MR Angio.
Meningioma
Meningiomas may dramatically increase in size during pregnancy as some of them represent hormonal receptors.
Presentation depends on its size and location, varies from elevated intracranial pressure, visual impairment with optic nerve atrophy to seizure.
A known case of Sphenoid wing meningoma.
Now admitted with recent onset seizures while pregnant, the on admission repeat MRI Brain shows same left side Sphenoid wing meningioma, but this time it was marginally increased in size with marked perilesional odema which was absent in previous MRI.
Choriocarcinoma with Metastasis
A malignant trophoblastic tumor.
May occur after a normal pregnancy, or can be seen in the context of abortion, molar or ectopic pregnancy.
Can metastasize to the liver, lung, or in 10% of cases to the brain.
Choriocarcinoma and its mets a highly vascular tumor and therefore very susceptible to bleed.
Presentation may be headache, focal neurologic deficits, seizures, encephalopathy, raised ICT.
A case of Choriocarcinoma with hemorrhagic metastasis in Brain
Pituitary Apoplexy
During pregnancy the pituitary gland tends to grow in size and some time it outstrips its vascular supply leading to hemorrhagic and/or ischemic changes.
Presentation is usually sudden headache, nausea, or vomiting, loss of consciousness.
Due to the close proximity of the pituitary gland to the optic chiasm and cranial nerves III, IV, and VI may present with multiple CN Palsy.
Sheehan syndrome
A hypopituitarism secondary to severe blood loss and hypo volemic shock during labour resulting in Ischemia and necrosis of pituitary .
On MRI, lack of normal enhancement on post contrast images is a diagnostic clue.
Once bleed or ischemia resolves, on follow-up imaging one may find Empty sella due to loss of tissue volume.
MRI Brain, mid sag T2w sections shows Roomy hypophyseal fossa occupied by Csf.
Pituitary flat at the floor near posterior wall of sella with an abnormal height less than 2mm.
Lymphocytic Hypophysitis
An autoimmune condition of the pituitary occurs in late pregnancy or the postpartum period due to Lymphocytic infiltration of the pituitary gland, infundibulum.
Enlargement of pituitary gland with abnormal enhancement on MRI is a diagnostic clue.
Wernicke's Encephalopathy
Caused by thiamine deficiency.
Common in chronic alcoholics however pregnant patients with hyperemesis gravidarum due to malnutrition due to nausea and vomiting and increased fetal metabolic demand for thiamine, land up with thiamine deficiency.
A case of Wernike's Encephalopathy, MRI Brain Axial FLAIR images at the level of brain stem shows typical peri aqueductal involvement of mid brain and hypothalamic T2 hyper intensities.
With early diagnosis, can be rapidly reversed with IV high dose of thiamine and fatal if left untreated.
MRI is investigation of choice.
Multiple Sclerosis
Commonly affects 20 to 50 Years females i e reproductive age group.
Nothing specifically different in the neuroimaging of pregnant / non preg MS patients however pregnancy, affect the relapse rate, as relapses decrease in frequency throughout pregnancy but increase in the postpartum period.
Increased estriols level during pregnancy result in T2 mediated immune shift in MS.
MRI investigation of choice.
Case of MS, MRI Brain Axial and Sagittal T2w images of Brain showing plaques of demyelination in bilateral fronto parietal peri ventricular white matter, involving corpus callosum. Sagittal T2 w images of spine of same patient shows faint T2 hyper intensities of demyelination involving cervico dorsal cord.
Backache is common during pregnancy cause can be hormone-induced laxity of spinal ligaments, Gravid uterus exerting pressure on the lumbosacral plexus or increased lordosis in pregnancy.
MRI is the best, can visualize spine , spinal cord as well as nerve roots which is not possible with CT.
Better post pone MRI too.
But Strong indications for MRI are cauda equina syndrome, acute weakness, radiating pain, bowel bladder involvement.
MRI may reveal Disc herniation causing cord, cauda equina or nerve root compression and cord demyelination in patient of lower limb weakness.
MRI Lumbar spine sagittal and axial T2 w images at L5-S1 show a left para central disc extrusion causing obvious compression of left traversing S1 nerve root in lateral recess.
MRI Dorsal spine sagittal and axial T2w images shows a focal disc protrusion causing cord compression.
MRI Cervico dorsal spine, sagittal T2w images show abnormal multi segmental contiguous intramedullary T2 hyper intensity suggestive of cord demyelination.
MRI Lumbar spine, Sag T1 and T2w images : Case of posterior spinal epidural hematoma causing significant canal stenosis at L2-3 disc level with marked compression over thecal sac and nerve roots of cauda equina.
As far as safely is concerned MRI is safe than CT. However post pone both CT as well as MRI if possible.
As far as Neuro imaging is concerned the treating physician, radiologist should be aware of these conditions which are common during pregnancy. Even the MRI technician should be trained for this to do necessary changes in a given study depending upon the findings while doing MRI like running Angio or Veno sequence as and when required.
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