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Fetal liver calcifications: sonographic appearance and postnatal outcome
B Stein1, B Bromley, H Michlewitz
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
Radiology
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Fetal intrahepatic calcifications, when isolated, typically indicate an excellent outcome. However, if additional anomalies are present, viral causes must be investigated to ensure proper fetal health monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Fetal medicine
- Neonatal outcomes
Background:
- Intrahepatic calcifications are sonographic findings in fetuses.
- Their clinical significance and prognostic value require elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prognostic importance of fetal intrahepatic calcifications detected via ultrasound.
- To assess the outcomes associated with isolated versus non-isolated intrahepatic calcifications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of fetal sonograms between 16 and 40 gestational weeks.
- Analysis of the number and characteristics of intrahepatic calcifications.
- In utero and postnatal follow-up assessments of fetal outcomes.
Main Results:
- Thirty-three fetuses exhibited intrahepatic calcifications.
- Isolated calcifications correlated with a 96% survival rate and normal postnatal outcomes.
- Fetuses with additional anomalies had poorer outcomes, necessitating investigation for underlying causes like cytomegalovirus.
Conclusions:
- Isolated fetal intrahepatic calcifications generally predict an excellent prognosis.
- The presence of additional anomalies warrants exclusion of viral etiologies.
- Ultrasound detection of intrahepatic calcifications is crucial for risk stratification and management.