EIF|Echogenic intracardiac focus

perinatology.com
Echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF)

Home > Ultrasound > Echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF)

Reviewed by Medical Advisory Board

An echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) is a small spot (sometimes two spots) in the fetal heart that appear to be as white as bone during an ultrasound examination. EIF appear to be caused by deposits of calcium in the muscles or tendons of the heart. An EIF is not a birth defect, and does not cause any long term health problems for the baby. It is seen in 5 to 7% of normal babies, but appears to be more common in the babies of Asian mothers.

Because some studies have shown that a baby is more likely to have Down syndrome when an EIF is seen, the mother should have a detailed anatomic survey , assessment of risk factors for possible abnormal chromosomes including maternal age, results screening or diagnostic tests, and family history

A group of experts in maternal fetal medicine, pediatrics, and radiology have recommended that if an EIF is an isolated finding and no screening for chromosome abnormalities has been performed , then recommend cell free fetal DNA testing or quad screen. If screening has been performed and is low risk, then no further risk assessment is needed. If more than one marker is identified, then genetic counseling is recommended.

By Mark Curran, MD FACOG Updated 3/21/2021

REFERENCES