Isolated hyperechogenic foci in the fetal thalamus in early pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the sonographic features and outcome of fetuses with isolated hyperechogenic foci in the thalamic region.


METHODS
A detailed sonographic survey was performed in 46,244 consecutive pregnancies. Both low- and high-risk pregnancies were included. Transvaginal examinations were performed at 14-16 weeks' gestation, while transabdominal examinations were performed after 18 weeks' gestation.


RESULTS
Isolated hyperechogenic foci in the thalamic region were observed in seven fetuses. All cases were diagnosed at 14-16 weeks' gestation. Six fetuses had one hyperechogenic focus, and one fetus had two foci. The size of these foci ranged from 2-4 mm. A serologic work-up was negative in all these fetuses and their karyotype was normal. The hyperechogenic foci disappeared in mid-pregnancy in all cases, and fetuses were normal at delivery and on follow up to the age of 9 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Isolated hyperechogenic foci in the thalamic region in early pregnancy are probably benign in nature.
Bronshtein
M
M
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carmel Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
Zimmer
E Z
EZ
Auslander
R
R
Blazer
S
S
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D013788:Thalamus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal