CLINICAL-SIGNIFICANCE OF ECHOGENIC FOCI IN FETAL LUNGS

Purpose. We reviewed our experience with echogenic foci in fetal lungs . Methods. During the period January 1991 through December 1995, 16,29 2 patients underwent comprehensive ultrasound examinations between 16 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Echogenic foci in the lungs were identified in 8 fetuses. All 8 underwent karyotyping, fetal echocardiography, sc reening for infectious agents, and follow-up sonography. The neonatal outcome was obtained in each case. Results. The 5 fetuses in whom echo genic foci in the lungs were the only abnormal finding all had normal outcomes. One fetus had echogenic foci identified in 1 lung and the ab domen. This fetus tested positive for cytomegalovirus, and the pregnan cy was terminated. Two fetuses with echogenic foci in the lungs had as sociated anomalies: 1 had an omphalocele, and the other had cerebral v entriculomegaly. Both of these pregnancies were terminated. Conclusion s. In our series, isolated echogenic pulmonary foci were rare findings that carried a good prognosis. When echogenic foci in the lungs are i dentified, careful evaluation for associated abnormalities is warrante d. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.