EIF on 18 Week Ultrasound

dstceo41

So I had my routine 18 week ultrasound.  Baby would not stay still, so I came back in 2 weeks so they could get photos of his heart.  Nurse called me the next day telling me that they saw an EIF on the baby's heart which apparently is a bright spot representing a calcium deposit.  I have to go to genetics for a more detailed ultrasound because apparently in a small percentage of cases this can be linked to Down's Syndrome in babies, but in most cases it goes away by 3rd trimester.

Needless to say, I am a little freaked.  Based on my research (and discussions with my best girlfriend who is an OB/GYN AND my other girlfriend who is a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner)  this is quite common.  I am considered high risk because of my age (34, almost 35 at delivery).

 Anyone else experience this? 

buggirl72

I have not had experience with this but I was going to do second trimester screening because of my high risk level (40 at delivery).  From what I have read, a lot of the soft markers for down syndrom that show up in the second tri ultra sounds are common and resolve themselves. Was there any other markers? If this is the only marker and it typically resolves itself, try not to worry (I know, easier said then done). My risk factor after the NT scan was 1:155 so we opted to do the harmony blood test instead of the 2nd tri screenings - I wanted my definitive results without doing an invasive test.

Buttercup011

Yes, I had this happen - and I was sent to a specialist - and then had the maternit21 test - everything turned out to be just fine.  In the words of my specialist, "it can be a soft marker for downs, but it is not a very good one."

dstceo41

No, there were no other markers. 

I think my initial freaking out had more to do with the way the message was delivered.  The nurse called me and only offered up additional details after she could hear I was almost in tears.  I knew they were calling specifically about the baby's heart because that was the only measurement they could not get on the original ultrasound.

MexiCali

A lot of techs see "glitches" and use the better safe than sorry method on this. They saw a spot on Z's heart as well. We got several U/S within a month to verify it wasn't something we should be watching. They were finally able to confirm it was nothing. Maybe a shadow. So it could very well be nothing.

sbuxsweetie

My son had a bright white spot on his heart at his 20 week u/s, so I had to go back at 24 weeks for a follow-up. They determined it was nothing to worry about, and now he is a healthy 18 month old!

Kingston54

My DS had that at 20 week ultrasound.  The doctor explained it to us by saying that the technology is so good now that it's picking up stuff like that that wouldn't normally be seen.  He said it was no cause for concern and DS is completely fine.  Hope that helps ease your mind while you wait for your results!