Clinical significance of echogenic foci in fetal lungs.

Objective: 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.