Learning objectives
Discuss the imaging of pregnant patients when pregnant
Demonstrate the appearance of tumors in pregnant patients
Characterize both benign and malignant tumors during pregnancy
Background
Pregnancy results in myriad health changes for the female patient.
Hormonal changes can result in symptoms such as nausea/vomiting and abdominal pain and even depression.
Unfortunately,
the health changes of pregnancy can also involve tumors.
A tumor,
which can be benign or malignant,
is often defined as a solid,
cystic,
or mixed solid/cystic mass.
Tumors may present before,
during,
or even after a pregnancy.
In terms of health management,
pregnancy limits the imaging available to the patient.
Ultrasound and MRI often take a broader role...
Findings and procedure details
The magentic resonance imaging protocol for pregnant patients includes T2,
fat suppressed T2,
T1 precontrast,
in and out of phase,
diffuse,
and thin slice T2 images.
The most common tumors in pregnancy are generally benign and include fibroids,
corpus luteum cysts,
and desmoid tumors.
Plexiform Neurofibroma
Peripheral nerve sheath tumor often seen in the setting of neurofibromatosis 1
Plexiform neurofibromas are generally diffuse and involve deep nerves
Benign but with malignant potential
MRI findings:
T1 hypointense
T2 hyperintense
Pregnancy:
There is suggestion that pregnancy,
specifically...
Conclusion
The identification and diagnosis of a tumor during pregnancy is essential to ensure appropriate medical care to both the mother and the fetus.
MRI provides an important tool for evaluating these tumors even without the presence of contrast,
which is generally contraindicated in the presence of pregnancy.
The ability to distinguish between benign and malignant processes may change the clinical management approach and allow for prompt delivery of medical services.
References
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et al.
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Apr.
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228–231.
Zarkavelis,
G.,
et al.
“Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors during Pregnancy: a Systematic Review of an Uncommon but Treatable Malignancy.”Clinical and Translational Oncology,
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no.
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