Original scientific paper
THE VALUE OF THE INTRACARDIAC ECHOGENIC FOCI IN THE FETAL HEART: CURRENT UNDERSTANDING AND CLINICAL VALUES
Ulla Marton
Feodora Stipoljev
Milan Kos
Berigoj Mišković
Ratko Matijević
Asim Kurjak
Abstract
Objective. To estimate the degree of risk of the echogenic intracardiac foci (IEF) for fetal chromosomopathies and to determine its association with structural anomalies of the fetus. Material and methods. During the period of two years 190 pregnant patients had been send for fetal echocardiography. Examination had been performed by transvaginal¬ (12–17 weeks of gestation) or transabdominal approach (18 weeks or more of gestation). Results. IEF was observed in 17 fetuses, multifocal appearance was found in 2 out of 17 fetuses. In 3 cases IEF had resolved during the 8 weeks period of time. Additional structural anomalies were detected in 11 fetuses. In 2 fetuses trisomy 21 had been confirmed. Conclusion. A single soft marker as IEF is commonly encountered during the second trimester among the fetuses with chromosomal aberation. As do many sonographic markers IEF can be resolved during the pregnancy and often can be found in normal fetuses.
Keywords
fetal echocardiography; echogenic intracardiac foci; ultrasonography; prenatal diagnosis
Hrčak ID:
15540
URI
Publication date:
1.12.2003.
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