Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 20, Issue 7 763-766, Copyright © 2001 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Fetal intracardiac echogenic foci: visualization depends on the orientation of the 4-chamber view
A. C. Ranzini, D. A. McLean, S. Sharma and A. M. Vintzileos
Department of Obstetric, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School/Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick 08903-0591, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequency of visualization of echogenic
intracardiac foci in different cardiac views. METHODS: Women having
ultrasonographic examinations between October 1997 and July 1998 were
prospectively evaluated if a fetal echogenic intracardiac focus was seen in
either ventricle. RESULTS: Echogenic intracardiac foci were seen in 89
fetuses in whom both the apical and lateral 4-chamber heart views were
obtained. Eight-six fetuses (97%) had a single focus (83 in the left
ventricle and 3 in the right ventricle), and 3 (3%) had 2 foci. Echogenic
intracardiac foci were seen in the apical 4-chamber view in 89 (100%) and
in the lateral 4-chamber view in only 26 (29%; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS:
Echogenic intracardiac foci are not easily seen in the lateral 4-chamber
view. Studies that suggest an increased risk of aneuploidy when echogenic
foci are seen should specify the orientation of the 4-chamber view used.
