What is the sign of the white spot on the fetal heart?

2 months ago

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One of the discomforts that some pregnant women face. There is a white spot on the fetal heart. These white spots are also called echogenic spots. In this article, it is fully discussed in relation to this issue.

What tests are performed during pregnancy?

During the pregnancy process, parents become quite excited and at the same time very emotional. They are not at all comparable to a person. Who carries only her child for nine months. After conception, a number of medical tests are performed to ensure the health of the fetus. Ultrasound is one of the main investigations. which is done in order to check the latest status and growth process of the liver. I would like to talk about one of the issues that parents face in the ultrasound report. They may be worried when they hear it. That is, echogenic points or white spots on the fetal heart

What does the white spot on the fetal heart indicate?

which is seen in the heart of the developing fetus during ultrasound and echo. These white spots or echogenic foci inside the heart are also called **golf ball syndrome during pregnancy** (because the white spot is similar to a golf ball). The cause of the echogenic point within the heart is unknown. But the situation is generally safe. An echogenic focus or spot within the heart is considered a normal occurrence in pregnancy. But prenatal screening tests to test for any abnormalities may be desirable.

In the second trimester of pregnancy, prenatal ultrasound is performed to check the baby's heart. With this work, the four normal chambers of the heart are evaluated. Atrium and right ventricle and atrium and left ventricle. Sometimes, one or more small white cardiac spots are seen in one of the chambers of the fetal heart, often in the ventricles (or pumping chambers). These spots are commonly known as EIF (intracardiac echogenic focus) or echogenic focus. Related article types of congenital heart disease in babies

But sometimes it can be detected in both ventricles. If the mother is thin. It becomes easier for the doctor to see this kind of detail. This is a common finding in ultrasound. which is observed in about 3 to 5 percent of pregnancies. Echogenic foci (white spots on the heart) in themselves generally do not have a bad effect on the overall health of the fetus or the development of the heart. But even if there are echogenic foci that are mostly harmless. They cannot cause fetal heart defects. Most of the intracardiac echogenic focus seen in mid-pregnancy. It disappears before delivery. Because they do not cause any problems for the child. If there is no other problem with them. It is not necessary to perform an additional ultrasound to follow the echogenic focus inside the heart.

Some doctors think that this bright spot is due to an area of the heart muscle. in which more than average calcium is accumulated. In ultrasound, areas with more calcium. (such as bones) make the sound waves appear brighter on the monitor screen.

It is observed. Although it is impossible to be sure of the presence of birth defects in the baby. But most pregnancies with intracardiac echogenic foci that do not have any other abnormal ultrasound findings. It leads to the birth of a healthy baby. The white spot on the heart of the fetus is considered a normal occurrence in the development of the fetus. There are no long-term health or heart problems for the fetus. Intracardiac echogenic foci in infants born to Asian mothers. It is seen more. However, regardless of race, it may be seen in any pregnancy. Although the echogenic center inside the heart does not cause any problems for the child. But some studies show that in the presence of this ultrasound finding, the probability of Down syndrome is slightly higher. However, not all studies agree. that there is a connection with Down syndrome.

Are additional tests required?

No specific test for pregnancies with intracardiac echogenic foci. They do not have any other problem, it is not recommended. However, with each pregnancy, women are offered optional prenatal tests. which can help find certain types of birth defects, including Down syndrome. There are two types of prenatal tests. Screening tests and diagnostic tests. Prenatal screening tests can. They will help you assess the chances of your child having a particular potential problem. Prenatal diagnostic tests can. Accurately identify some problems in the baby. Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure. which is done until about 22 weeks of pregnancy to detect chromosomal abnormalities before birth. In the end, in general, I give this example to parents who have seen a white heart spot or echogenic focus in their child's heart and other investigations have not shown any accompanying problem. Imagine this. A small mole is considered normal as it is on the skin of a person. This shiny spot on the muscular wall of the fetal heart is also considered normal. It may resolve or remain until after birth, in any case, this echogenic focus is not clinically important. And like a small mole on the skin, it does not need more attention. **Dr. Saeed Bitarafan, pediatric and fetal cardiology specialist**

I suggest you read the following articles for more information.

https://www.verywellfamily.com/wha t-is-echogenic-focus-4584330 https://www.obgproject.com/2016/07/21/echogenic-intra-cardiac-focus-sounds-scary-clinical-significance/ https://www.allinahealth.org/-/media/allina-health/files/medical-services/clinics/individual-clinics/minnesota-perinatal-physicians/echogenic-intracardiac-focus.pdf