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Case 13 - A 25-Year-Old with an Echogenic Cardiac Focus at 19 Weeks’ Gestation

from Section 2 - Antepartum (Mid-trimester)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 April 2025

Peter F. Schnatz
Affiliation:
The Reading Hospital, Pennsylvania
D. Yvette LaCoursiere
Affiliation:
University of California, San Diego
Christopher M. Morosky
Affiliation:
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Jonathan Schaffir
Affiliation:
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Vanessa Torbenson
Affiliation:
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
David Chelmow
Affiliation:
Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine
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Summary

In a low-risk patient with negative cell-free DNA screening for Down syndrome, the finding of an isolated soft marker on second-trimester ultrasound such as a single echogenic intracardiac focus is not clinically significant. In the absence of other abnormal ultrasound findings, no follow-up testing is recommended for this isolated result. Reassurance can be provided to the patient. In the era of immediate release of ultrasound reports with the electronic medical record, anticipatory guidance regarding possible findings can be reviewed with patients at the time of ordering tests and studies to reduce anxiety.

Type
Chapter
Information
Pregnancy Complications
A Case-Based Approach
, pp. 40 - 42
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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References

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