title: Fetal intracardiac echogenic foci: visualization depends on the orientation of the 4-chamber view.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the frequency of visualization of echogenic intracardiac foci in different cardiac views.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women having ultrasonographic examinations between October 1997 and July 1998 were prospectively evaluated if a fetal echogenic intracardiac focus was seen in either ventricle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Echogenic intracardiac foci were seen in 89 fetuses in whom both the apical and lateral 4-chamber heart views were obtained. Eight-six fetuses (97%) had a single focus (83 in the left ventricle and 3 in the right ventricle), and 3 (3%) had 2 foci. Echogenic intracardiac foci were seen in the apical 4-chamber view in 89 (100%) and in the lateral 4-chamber view in only 26 (29%; P = .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Echogenic intracardiac foci are not easily seen in the lateral 4-chamber view. Studies that suggest an increased risk of aneuploidy when echogenic foci are seen should specify the orientation of the 4-chamber view used.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetric, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School/Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick 08903-0591, USA.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Ranzini
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Vintzileos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000782:Aneuploidy; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000235:genetics; D006321:Heart; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods