Dr. Joseph Woo:

Abnormalities in embryos and offsprings of animals and humans have not been unequivocally demonstrated in the large amount of studies that have so far appeared in the medical literature purporting to the use of diagnostic ultrasound in the clinical setting. Apparent ill-effects such as low birthweight, speech and hearing problems, brain damage and non-right-handedness reported in small studies have not been confirmed or substantiated in larger studies.

The greatest risks arising from the use of ultrasound are the possible over- and under- diagnosis brought about by inadequately trained staff, often working in relative isolation and using poor equipment.

 

Douglas W. Laube, MD, President of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG News Release)

• Ultrasound is safe. Unlike other imaging, ultrasound does not involve ionizing radiation. It does not use contrast media and does not require sedation.
• Ob-gyns are well-trained in ultrasound. Diagnostic ultrasonography is part of ob-gyn residency training and part of the certifying examinations of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
• Use of ob-gyn ultrasound in clinical care increases quality and saves costs. Ultrasound speeds time to diagnosis, particularly in critical situations. It improves the safety and effectiveness of procedures, improves diagnostic accuracy, and allows greater use of minimally invasive treatment. This is also true for ultrasound guidance procedures.

SAFETY ASPECTS OF THE USE OF ULTRASOUND IN PREGNANCY

Francis A Duck, Medical Physics Department, Royal United Hospital, Bath BA1 3NG, United Kingdom

Diagnostic ultrasound has an enviable reputation for safety, and the lack of evidence for risk has been one of the key factors which has established it as the pre-eminent imaging method in obstetrics. Ultrasound remains one of very few common diagnostic procedures which may be carried out with little regard to safety. By comparison, all radiographic examinations carry known genetic and somatic risks associated with ionising radiation. Furthermore, these other modes give rise to biological effects in organs other than those being imaged. By comparison, all bio-effects from ultrasound are restricted to the scanned region of tissue.

The Concerns about Ultrasound during Pregnancy

  Joseph J. Psiuk, Owner/Operator of InnerView Ultrasound, Frazer, PA

Many 3D/4D ultrasound centers have recently opened, providing affordable elective ultrasounds to expectant families. This has drawn criticism from several organizations. But if the equipment is regulated, and the practice of ultrasound for prenatal care has a good safety record ... where's the problem?

Some doctors are concerned that their patients will opt to get too many unnecessary ultrasounds. But if the argument of ultrasound safety was simply based on overall exposure, then a good follow-up question would be: "If increased ultrasound exposure is a cause for concern, then why do higher-risk pregnancies typically receive so many?"

Other doctors are understandably concerned that mothers will use these elective ultrasounds in lieu of an ultrasound prescribed by their physicians. They are also concerned that a technician may try to present diagnostic information that should only be interpreted by a board-certified physician.

An elective ultrasound should only be used to complement the ultrasound sessions prescribed by a physician. A full-anatomical study should always be completed first to identify any potential prenatal issues. The parents-to-be can then utilize the elective session as an insightful, bonding experience.

 

 

A comparison between acoustic output indices in 2D and 3D/4D ultrasound in obstetrics

SHUNER E. ^,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, ETATS-UNIS

Acoustic exposure levels during 3D/4D ultrasound examination, as expressed by TI, are comparable with those of 2D B-mode ultrasound. However, it is very difficult to evaluate the additional scanning time needed to choose an adequate scanning plane and to acquire a diagnostic 3D volume.