Echogenic intracardiac focus ( EIF ) is a small bright spot visible in the baby's heart on an ultrasound exam. This is considered to represent mineralization, or a small precipitate of calcium, in the heart muscle. EIF is found in about 3-5% of normal pregnancies and does not cause health problems.
EIF itself has no impact on health or heart function. Often EIF is lost in the third trimester. If there are no chromosomal problems or abnormalities, the EIF is considered a normal change, or a variant.
Video Echogenic intracardiac focus
Association with birth defects
Researchers have noted the relationship between EIF and chromosome problems in infants. Types of chromosome problems that are sometimes seen include trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) or trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). In the case of isolated EIF, and no other ultrasound findings, some studies have shown that the risk for chromosomal abnormalities is approximately twice the risk of a woman's background. Other studies reported up to 1% risk for Down syndrome when EIF was seen at the second trimester ultrasound examination.
Maps Echogenic intracardiac focus
Instructions for chromosome problems
EIF is one of the clues that can contribute to possible chromosome problems. Generally low risk if there are no other risk factors. Many babies with chromosomal problems show no signs of ultrasound. Other factors discussed in counseling include:
- Mother's age at expected delivery date
- Result of AFP triple blood test Expanded
- Other fetal "fetal evidence" seen on ultrasound shows chromosomal problems.
Options
The best available evidence suggests that the isolated echogenic intracardiac focus on low-risk female fetuses does not provide an increased risk of fetal aneuploidy. Although several studies have reported that the number or location of echogenic focus affects the risk of fetal aneuploidy (high risk with biventricular or right ventricular involvement), the general consensus is that these factors have not proved important. When the echogenic intracardiac focus is identified in a normal second trimester fetus, normal cell-free DNA testing can be very convincing and negates the need for invasive testing.
Amniocentesis is a test for checking baby chromosomes. A small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains several fetal cells, is removed and tested. Amniocentesis is very accurate; However, there is a risk of miscarriage that occurs in 0.5-1% of women who have amniocentesis. The results take about two weeks. Normal amniocentesis results mean that EIF is not significant and there will be no other concern about it. It is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy (during the second trimester).
Summary
EIF in the fetal heart may indicate an increased likelihood that the baby may have chromosomal problems. It does not affect the baby's development or heart function. If the baby has a normal chromosome, there will be no related problems to worry about. No special treatment or tests required during shipment.
It is important to remember that with an isolated EIF, it is likely to support a normal pregnancy outcome, but the patient is entitled to further counseling and testing options.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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