Isolated multiple bilateral echogenic papillary muscles: A unique sonographic feature of trisomy 13.
BACKGROUND
Echogenic papillary muscles are noted in 30% of fetuses with trisomy 13. All reported fetuses with trisomy 13 and echogenic papillary muscles have exhibited additional abnormal sonographic findings.


METHODS
A 21.7-week fetus demonstrated three papillary echogenicities in each cardiac ventricle during ultrasound examination. Chromosomal analysis of amniocytes showed the karyotype 47,XX,+13.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple bilateral papillary muscles may provide the only sonographic sign of fetal trisomy 13.
Wax
Joseph R
JR
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine, USA. waxj@mmc.org
Pinette
Michael G
MG
Blackstone
Jacquelyn
J
Cartin
Angelina
A
D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology*; D002882:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D024510:Muscle Development; D010210:Papillary Muscles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D014314:Trisomy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal