Echogenic intracardiac focus?

jwilly87

Hi everyone
I'm 20w5d and had our 20w ultrasound on Monday. Last night our midwife called and said that something had come up on the ultrasound (of course I was right in the middle of work and had a hard time processing the information she was giving me...) it is called an echogenic intracardiac focus which is basically a light spot on the heart signifying a calcium deposit or mineralization on the heart. She stated that it could be a marker for down syndrome. My other tests (nt and sequential) came back normal and I don't have any other markers so I still should be low risk. I am just wondering if anyone has any experience with this? I'm being referred to a MFM but the one at our practice can't see us for 3 weeks (which does not bode well for my anxiety) so we're trying to be seen in Boston as soon as possible... It was just a very scary and emotional night... Still trying to process it all... TIA for any help you can give 

goldie987

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12658129/20-week-scan-echogenic-focus
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/comment/88358343
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/comment/88337921
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/comment/88290972
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/comment/88221528

The search bar is your friend and you're not alone.  It's a soft marker, if the NT and sequential screen came back clean, then chance are you're in the group who have a normal baby with a soft marker.  Good luck with your follow up. 

CourtJack

Ditto - do a search and you'll see that it's nothing to be worried about. I believe I've seen it referred to as one of the "softest" markers there is. You have normal results from all your tests and only one soft marker. All is ok.

jwilly87

Thank you! I wasn't even aware there is a search option haha I appreciate it! 

TunieBee

Our son had an echogenic focus (bright spot) on his heart. His genetic screening was normal so we were told not to worry.  He does not have any issues. These soft markers show up all the time.  GL. 

alileecam

I had the same thing come up at my A/S recently at the perinatologist. Basically, it brought our chance of DS from one in 4,000 to one in 3,000. He didn't seem concerned, so I am choosing not to worry about it. I feel like it may have even come up with my first son too. They will probably keep an eye on it and that's all (and you clearly have plenty of experiences here to read through for reassurance as well).

KKnight1154

Lurking from the May 2016 board. Our son had the same thing. As our OB explained to us in the absence of any other marker it's non finding, and is like a freckle and has no impact on the baby's heart or function. We were referred to a fetal specialist only to make sure nothing else was missed marker wise and it wasn't. The most they said it does is cut your risk in half, i.e.if your results were 1:2500 it's now 1:1250. Both my OB, the fetal specialist and another ultrasound tech said they see these every single day because the technology has gotten so advanced that they pick up these up frequently. OB said she wished the didn't have to freak mothers out if this is the only finding, but they have to disclose for legal purposes. Obviously we won't know until he's here if he has DS but so far all signs point to no.

pkwest04

Two soft markers were found at our 20 wk scan. Going in the 10th to MFM for level II scan after two and a half weeks of waiting. Neither of ours was the heart because unfortunately her position didn't allow a view of her heart at all. However, after asking around it seems one soft marker tends to not amount to anything especially if previous testing was normal. My niece had 3 soft markers for DS, including on in regards to her heart...she is 11 and has no abnormalities at all. I know not worrying isn't possible (I'm an anxious wreck), but take some measure of peace in the normal tests and only one soft marker. I will be thinking of you and LO!

jmd921154

Hi - I just went through EXACTLY this. They found it during my A/S and I was sent to MFM a few days later for another A/S. The focus was the only soft marker they saw, and my integrated screen came back extremely well - 1 in 12,000 for Down's and NT scan was perfect. We were so freaked out going into the scan at MFM. The doctor came in and said that the focus was nothing to worry about as it is the softest marker and based on my screen results, there is no risk for chromosomal abnormality. She then explained that they have to disclose the focus for legal reasons, which is awful when you have no other indicators for an issue. Hang in there, it's scary! Sending you positive vibes and thoughts.

mar101483

3 weeks seems like a really long time to wait. When. I was about 13 weeks, we had a chromosomal scare in my bloodwork. My doctor called me on Tuesday and had an appointment for me that Thursday. I would see if they can't get you in somewhere else sooner, just to ease your anxiety, which isn't good, all you'll be doing is go googling and stressing. I would try not to worry too much, people have soft markers all the time and end up with completely healthy babies. I am not too familiar with your babies condition, but I would think if it was a huge concern, they would get you in sooner, especially this far along.
Keep us updated! 

mar101483

Also, my doctor told me I had a 98% chance of having a disorder, the genetic counselor told us it was a 70% based on my bloodwork. Thankfully, after a CVS, we found out it was a false positive.

rime1995

May I ask how is your baby now

vintagevix2016

Hi @knottie2b85d6f75ff15465! This board isn't active anymore, you may want to try reaching out to @jwilly87 directly as a precaution, in case she does not visit this board and see the post. Hope you find the answer you're looking for!