From the Guidelines
A HIDA scan is not recommended during pregnancy due to the potential risks associated with radiation exposure to the developing fetus, and safer alternatives like ultrasound or MRI should be considered instead. The use of radioactive tracers in HIDA scans poses a risk to the fetus, particularly during the first trimester when organ development is most active 1. According to the 2024 clinical practice guideline update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, in pregnant people with suspected acute cholecystitis or suspected acute cholangitis, US or MRI can be considered as the initial diagnostic imaging modality 1. This approach aligns with the principle of minimizing radiation exposure during pregnancy, as emphasized in the guidance statements by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, which recommends abdominal US without contrast as the preferred imaging modality throughout pregnancy 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the safety of HIDA scans during pregnancy include:
- The potential risks associated with radiation exposure to the developing fetus
- The availability of safer alternative imaging modalities, such as ultrasound or MRI
- The importance of careful consultation between the patient and healthcare providers to weigh the potential benefits and risks of a HIDA scan during pregnancy
- The need to follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) regarding radiation exposure during pregnancy, as recommended by medical professionals 1.
In general, the decision to use a HIDA scan during pregnancy should be made with caution and only when the benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks, taking into account the guidance provided by recent studies and clinical practice guidelines 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Pregnancy Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Technetium Tc 99m Mebrofenin It is also not known whether Technetium Tc 99m Mebrofenin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Technetium Tc 99m Mebrofenin should be given to a pregnant woman only if the expected benefits to be gained clearly outweigh the potential hazards.
The use of Technetium Tc 99m Mebrofenin, the agent used in a Hida scan, during pregnancy is not well established due to lack of animal reproduction studies. Caution is advised when considering its use in pregnant women, and it should only be administered if the potential benefits outweigh the risks 2.
From the Research
HIDA Scan Safety During Pregnancy
- There are no research papers provided that directly address the safety of HIDA scans during pregnancy 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The provided studies discuss the use of HIDA scans in various clinical contexts, including the diagnosis of biliary atresia 3, the assessment of liver function 4, and the management of biliary pain 5, but do not mention pregnancy as a specific consideration.
- As a result, it is not possible to determine the safety of HIDA scans during pregnancy based on the provided evidence.
- Further research or consultation with a medical professional would be necessary to determine the safety of HIDA scans in pregnant women.