Clinical significance of echogenic foci in fetal lungs

Purpose. We reviewed our experience with echogenic foci in fetal lungs. Methods. During the period January 1991 through December 1995, 16,292 patients underwent comprehensive ultrasound examinations between 16 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Echogenic foci in the lungs were identified in 8 fetuses. All 8 underwent karyotyping, fetal echocardiography, screening for infectious agents, and follow-up sonography. The neonatal outcome was obtained in each case. Results. The 5 fetuses in whom echogenic foci in the lungs were the only abnormal finding all had normal outcomes. One fetus had echogenic foci identified in 1 lung and the abdomen. This fetus tested positive for cytomegalovirus, and the pregnancy was terminated. Two fetuses with echogenic foci in the lungs had associated anomalies: 1 had an omphalocele, and the other had cerebral ventriculomegaly. Both of these pregnancies were terminated. Conclusions. In our series, isolated echogenic pulmonary foci were rare findings that carried a good prognosis. When echogenic foci in the lungs are identified, careful evaluation for associated abnormalities is warranted. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.