Exposure to Ultrasound in Utero: Epidemiology and Relevance of Neuronal Migration Studies

Abstract 

Despite that epidemiological studies did not indicate negative effects on neurological development of offspring when exposed to diagnostic ultrasound, possible association with nonright-handedness in males could not be excluded. In addition, an experimental study on fetal mice suggested that prolonged ultrasound exposure may cause mild disturbance in neuronal migration. No doubt, further studies are warranted. The present knowledge of the potential bioeffects of ultrasound suggests that, when using ultrasound for examinations in pregnancy, fetal scanning without medical indication should be avoided and that adherence to ALARA principle (use of energy “as low as reasonably achievable”) is compulsory. (E-mail: karel.marsal@med.lu.se)

Key Words: Ultrasound, Safety, Human, Fetus, Pregnancy, Animal experiment, Neurodevelopment