Current Status of the Fetography: Preventing of the Future Radiation Induced Cancer

Abstract

Background: Fetography has named the radiography of the fetus in utero. Due to the potential risk of radiation-induced cancers and other malignant effects, this procedure has avoided and has completely replaced by ultrasonography. However it has observed that this invasive procedure has still followed in some clinical departments. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the current status of the fetography and its prevalence as an un-recommended diagnostic procedure in teaching hospitals of Ahvaz, Iran. Methods: The radiology and ultrasonography reception systems of two teaching hospitals of Ahvaz have investigated to identify pregnant patients who has undergone fetal presentation imaging (cephalic or breech) between 21 March 2013 and 21 March 2015. Results: In general 3741 pregnant women who have undergone fetal-presentation imaging during two past years have identified. There was significant statistically differences between X-ray and ultrasonography examinations (2528 vs. 1213; P value < 0.05), as those have accounted for 67.5% and 32.5% of the performed examinations, respectively. Women younger than 30 years, who were more sensitive to radiation, accounted for 51.2% of the X-ray examinations. The number of fetographies has increased as much as 2.2 fold during 2013 to 2015. Discussion: Women of the investigated hospital have received avoidable fetal irradiation due to fetography then it was a reason for concern. Ultrasonography should be the first-line imaging modality for pregnant women, especially in the case of fetal-presentation.