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Fetal intracardiac echogenic foci: frequency of detection with respect to maternal race and other abnormalities
Author(s) -
Fitchat E.
Publication year - 2001
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.1469-0705.2001.abs28-29.x
Subject(s) - fetus , medicine , trisomy , intracardiac injection , amniocentesis , gestation , gestational age , obstetrics , pregnancy , prenatal diagnosis , biology , genetics
Objective: To determine if there is a racial difference in the frequency of detecting an echogenic intracardiac focus in fetuses and the incidence of other related abnormalities. Methods: Over a 3‐month period (December 2000 to February 2001) all fetuses scanned between 12 and 30 weeks were evaluated for the presence of intracardiac echogenic foci. The sonographer indicated the maternal race (black, colored, white or other), gestational age, maternal age and the presence of other abnormalities. Amniocentesis or cordocentesis was performed when indicated. Follow up on fetuses and neonates were obtained from the patient records. The groups were compared with respect to maternal race, presence or absence of foci and other associated abnormalities. Results: There were 725 fetuses scanned during this period where the gestation was between 12 and 30 weeks. There were 606, 98, and 21 fetuses of colored, black and white mothers, respectively. Intracardiac foci were present in 33 (5.4%) colored, 8 (8.1%) black and one (4.7%) white mother, respectively. The association with other abnormalities was 7/42 (16.6%). This was higher in the colored group 5 (15%) compared with the black group 1 (12.5%). There was only one fetus in the white group with an intracardiac focus and this was a baby born with congenital rubella syndrome. There were two (5%) fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities. One was a black fetus with trisomy 21 and one colored fetus with trisomy 18. The remaining four fetuses had markers associated with normal karyotype on culture. These were polihydramnios, hyperechogenic bowel, pyelectasis, and intrauterine growth restriction. Conclusions: In this preliminary study the black fetus had a higher incidence of intracardiac echogenic foci. Detection of an intracardiac focus is associated with a 5% risk of chromosomal abnormalities and other associated features should be evaluated.