Tom Cruise Caught in Sonogram Squabble

E! News Online ^ | 11/30/2005 | Sarah Hall

[Qwertrew]

Tom Cruise hasn't made many friends within the medical community lately.

First the American Psychiatric Association slammed the actor for referring to psychiatry as a "pseudoscience," calling Cruise's remarks "irresponsible." Now the American College of Radiology is up in arms over Cruise's admission that he purchased a sonogram machine and uses it to perform at-home ultrasounds on fiancee Katie Holmes.

The ACR issued a statement warning that Cruise and Holmes could potentially harm their unborn baby by performing ultrasounds without the benefit of a doctor's supervision

"This is a patient safety issue. Untrained people, even if they have the financial means, should not buy, or be allowed to buy and operate, ultrasound machines which are, in fact, medical devices and should not be used without a medical indication," said Dr. Carol M. Rumack, chair of the ACR Ultrasound Commission.

Cruise gushed about his purchase to Barbara Walters during an interview for her special Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2005, which aired Tuesday.

"I bought a sonogram machine," Cruise told Walters during the interview, which was taped Oct. 30. "I am going to donate it to a hospital when we are done."

Somewhat startled, Walters replied, "Wait, you are going to do your own sonogram?"

"Yes," Cruise replied, chuckling.

The couch-jumping thesp told Walters that he did not know the sex of his offspring, but that he saw "a little baby" when he performed the ultrasound.

Cruise's purchase is estimated to have set him back anywhere from $15,000 to $200,000. However, the ACR is not convinced that the War of the Worlds star fully understands the complexities of the device.

"The ACR is concerned that Tom Cruise has been badly advised regarding the use and potential abuse of ultrasound," Dr. Rumack stated. "There are many abnormalities that may be missed by the untrained eye. Also, if it is not medically necessary, the use of ultrasound raises unnecessary physical risk to the fetus."

The ACR isn't the only organization concerned about Cruise's personal sonogram machine. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the actor may even be violating the law by possessing the device.

"Persons who promote, sell or lease ultrasound equipment for making 'keepsake' fetal videos should know that FDA views this as an unapproved use of a medical device," the FDA stated. "In addition, those who subject individuals to ultrasound exposure using a diagnostic ultrasound device (a prescription device) without a physician's order may be in violation of state or local laws or regulations regarding use of a prescription medical device."

Cruise's representatives did not respond to requests for comment on the sonogram issue.

Meanwhile, Cruise and Holmes have been taking a break from their at-home ultrasound project while spending time in Shanghai, where Cruise has been filming scenes for Mission: Impossible 3.

At a press roundup Wednesday, Cruise grabbed a cell phone from a reporter who dared to take a call during the event and began chatting to the surprised party at the other end.

"Put her on the phone. I want to talk to her," Cruise demanded, asking to talk to the female caller, whom he presumed to be the reporter's girlfriend.

"Hello. Xiexie. Ni hao. Are you good?" said Cruise, throwing out the Chinese words for "thank you" and "hello" like a natural.

"Are you good? Are you working?" he asked. "Are you going to get engaged? Soon? Maybe?"

After a translator stepped in to assist, it was revealed that the caller was actually the reporter's wife.

"Tell her I wish her happiness," Cruise said.

On the subject of his own wedding, Cruise remained teasingly elusive.

"You want to know where we're gonna get married? The exact date? The exact place? The color dress, designer?" he quizzed reporters. "You know, we haven't set a date...It will happen next year."

[Qwertrew]

I'm not a Cruise-hater, but when I initially read this story, I was appalled and worried for that poor baby. The arrogance and entitlement that canceled out any common sense of concern for their child....I hope those two get a wake-up call.

So....let the feeding frenzy begin.

[SittinYonder]

"Persons who promote, sell or lease ultrasound equipment for making 'keepsake' fetal videos should know that FDA views this as an unapproved use of a medical device," the FDA stated. "In addition, those who subject individuals to ultrasound exposure using a diagnostic ultrasound device (a prescription device) without a physician's order may be in violation of state or local laws or regulations regarding use of a prescription medical device."

The FDA should be abolished.

[satchmodog9]

First thing I thought when I initially read the report was too many sonograms can supposedly be dangerous.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Totally disagree! It's in place because of stupid, uninformed behavior like this!!!!!!!

[NonValueAdded]

"There are many abnormalities that may be missed by the untrained eye.

But he isn't using the machine to do diagnostic work. Presumably there will be a "real" ultrasound taken by the ob/gyn at the appropriate time.

Also, if it is not medically necessary, the use of ultrasound raises unnecessary physical risk to the fetus."

Say what??? I don't ever recall being issued that bit of disclosure or even the need to execute an informed consent document. I believe the general public's understanding is that ultrasound technology is perfectly safe and that there are no harmful effects. Has this doc in his haste to condemn Cruise inadvertently let slip something?

[peyton randolph]

The Passion of Tom Cruise

[mvpel]

"Also, if it is not medically necessary, the use of ultrasound raises unnecessary physical risk to the fetus."

Ironic that there's such a kerfluffle over this from some doctors when 4,000 fetuses a day are dismembered by other doctors.

[TXBSAFH]

Tom, the truth, you can't handle the truth. You are a scientologist!!!

[Vaquero]

Comeout of the closet Tom!


http://www.postchronicle.com/news/entertainment/article_2121343.shtml

[stboz]

If this child is born deaf or otherwise damaged, will the MSM ask why?

[Roots]

Why are people so concerned with what other people do with their time and money? These machines are safe, leave him alone

[Roots]

Excellent point!

[Qwertrew]

So you have experience?

[lawgirl]

You know, Katie Holmes is going to make a mint after this is all over and she writes a tell all book.

[RichInOC]

I don't hate him. I am coming more and more firmly to the conclusion that he's a freak.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

As a bonus...their child will be able to communicate with whales when it is born.

[Qwertrew]

...and probably predict earthquakes too.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Cruise may just take over Michael Jackson's title as reigning Hollywood freak once Jackson moves to Bahrain.

[joesnuffy]

Hollywood Hill Billy OB-GYN

Starring Tom Cruise

Shucks...Grannie says twerent nothin' to it...folks back home do it all the time and they don't need no 'sunny graham' machine neither..

Couple ole tin cans some balin wire and a truck battery'll do jes fine...

City slickers...don't know naught from naught = naught.

An it aint like I aint had no edjewkashun neither..made it plum through the third grade and it only took me ten years took my cousins nearlly twice that long...

Ellie Mae come back here with those wires...dang nab it you ruined my whole experiment...youse sposed to unhook them before you jump in the ce'ment pond...

[ladyjane]

"...the use of ultrasound raises unnecessary physical risk to the fetus."

And all over America there are obstetritians telling women that they are perfectly safe! hmm...