Study on the clinical significance and fetal cardiac function of fetuses with intracardiac hyperechogenic foci using fetal echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance and cardiac function of fetuses with intracardiac hyperechogenic focus(ICEF) by fetal echocardiography. Methods Fetal echocardiograms were performed on 1291 fetuses for evaluation of fetal heart structures and rhythms. Echocardiographic characteristics of ICEF were investigated. Fetal systolic and diastolic functions of 399 fetuses with an isolated ICEF were compared with 128 normal fetuses using conventional two-dimensional, M-mode, pulsed Doppler echocardiography and myocardial Doppler tissue imaging(DTI). Results The prevalence of ICEF was 34. 7% (448/1291). Twenty-four(5.4%) cases were found with cardiovascular malformations. There was 1 (0.22%) case of ICEF fetus associated with chromosomal abnormality (trisomy 21 ). Comprehensive fetal echocardiographic data analysis showed no significant differences in heart dimensions, global cardiac functions,and myocardial performances in the two groups( P ＞0.05). Conclusions An isolated ICEF in the fetal heart is not associated with increased risk for chromosome abnormalities. Fetuses with ICEF do not indicate impaired left ventricular systolic or diastolic function, therefore having no hemodynamic significance.