title: Isolated hyperechogenic foci in the fetal thalamus in early pregnancy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carmel Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bronshtein
authors.forename: E Z
authors.initials: EZ
authors.lastname: Zimmer
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Auslander
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Blazer
mesh_terms: 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