Fetal uptake of an intravascular radiologic contrast medium.

Trans-placental passage of methylglucamine diatrizoate was studied in 11 human fetuses after intravenous injection to the mother 5 to 49 minutes prior to abortion by hysterotomy. The contrast medium passed the placental barrier and was detected in all fetal tissues measured. No evidence was found of selective uptake by any fetal tissue. The hazards of fetal exposure should be taken into consideration before the administration of intravascular radiographic contrast agents to pregnant women.