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Fetal myocardial calcification associated with maternal cocaine use
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030.
American Journal of Perinatology
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Two infants survived fetal myocardial calcification, a rare condition. Cocaine exposure during pregnancy is suspected as the cause, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neonatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Fetal myocardial calcification is a rare condition with limited understanding of its etiology and prognosis.
- Previous reports often associate this condition with congenital infections or genetic abnormalities.
Observation:
- Two cases of fetal myocardial calcification were identified via prenatal ultrasound and confirmed postnatally.
- Unlike typical outcomes, both infants demonstrated complete resolution of calcification by 6 and 12 months, respectively.
Findings:
- Extensive diagnostic workup, including tests for congenital infections, yielded negative results.
- Maternal history revealed early cocaine use in both pregnancies, suggesting a potential link to the calcification.
Implications:
- Prenatal diagnosis of myocardial calcification necessitates a thorough investigation into potential causes, including maternal substance use.
- Cocaine's toxic and vascular effects are implicated as a possible mechanism for fetal myocardial necrosis and subsequent calcification.
- These findings expand the differential diagnosis for fetal myocardial calcification and underscore the importance of considering environmental factors.
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