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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
08:04
Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
Intracardiac echogenic focus and fetal outcome
Geetika Gupta1, Shagun Aggarwal, Shubha R Phadke
1Department of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Genetics, Raibarelly Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU
|September 18, 2010
Summary
Intracardiac echogenic focus (ICEF) is found in 6.3% of fetuses. An isolated ICEF does not adversely affect neonatal outcomes, with all reported neonates being normal at birth.
Area of Science:
- Prenatal diagnosis
- Fetal medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Intracardiac echogenic focus (ICEF) is a finding on fetal ultrasound.
- Its clinical significance and impact on pregnancy outcome require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the outcome of fetuses diagnosed with intracardiac echogenic focus (ICEF).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of fetuses with ICEF identified via ultrasound (US) between January 2007 and January 2009.
- ICEF defined as a bright echogenic area in the fetal ventricle.
- Pregnancy outcomes were tracked.
Main Results:
- 48 out of 762 fetuses (6.3%) had ICEF.
- 31 cases had isolated ICEF; 11 had major malformations; 6 had other soft markers.
- Of 31 isolated ICEF cases, 28 neonates were normal at birth.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of ICEF is 6.3%.
- Isolated ICEF appears to have no adverse effect on neonatal outcomes.
- Associated major malformations warrant further investigation and management.
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