Obstetric pelvimetry using digital radiography (CT topogram)

Radiographic examination during pregnancy and pelvimetry before pregnancy are still required for particular indications. The use of digital radiography (lateral topogram on CT) reduces the radiation dose to the foetus and ovaries by a factor of 10 to 100, as compared with conventional pelvimetry, as described by Guthmann. The accuracy of this method is satisfactory, the technique is simple, it is rapid and is easy for the patient, particularly for pregnant women. As long as pelvimetry is not possible without ionising radiation, we consider pelvimetry with digital radiography, when strictly indicated, to be acceptable. In order to determine the transverse diameter of the pelvis, a single additional CT cut through the narrowest part of the pelvis is suggested.