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WS06‐04Intracardiac echogenic focus and fetal heart defects
Author(s) -
Chaoui R.,
Bierlich A.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.2000.00009-1-38.x
Subject(s) - medicine , intracardiac injection , fetus , fetal echocardiography , cardiology , echogenicity , heart defect , prenatal diagnosis , right heart , heart disease , radiology , pregnancy , ultrasonography , genetics , biology
Background Intracardiac echogenic foci are controversially discussed whether or not they are marker for chromosomal aberrations. The possible association with fetal congenital heart defects (CHD) and its impact were not yet analyzed extensively. Method During 30 months, prenatally detected structural CHD were prospectively analyzed for the presence of EF. Frequency, localization, number, association with chromosomal defects and pattern of CHD were assessed. Results 279 fetal CHD could be examined and EF were found in 31 cases (11.1%). The localization was in 17 cases (54%) the left, in 7 (22%) the right, and in 7 (22.5%) both ventricles. Multiple EF were found in 10 cases. 14 cases (42%) were associated with a chromosomal aberration (T18 n = 2; T21 n = 5, T13 n = 3, Triploidy n = 2, Del22q n = 1, others n = 1). Among the remaining 17 fetuses with normal chromosomes following heart defects were found: 3 × VSD, 3 × Left‐persistent SVC, 2 × TGA, 2 × TOF, 2 × Coarctation, and 1 × PS, PA, Ebstein, TAC, AS each. Conclusions Compared to low‐risk groups EF are more frequent in the presence of CHD and show another distribution involving more right ventricular or bilateral EF. The combination of EF and CHD is highly associated with aneuploidies. Since associated CHD include also conotruncal anomalies EF can be considered as an indication for targeted fetal echocardiography especially when EF is localized in the RV or in both ventricles.