Module 10.2 Soft Markers Flashcards
What are soft markers? 2
- Sonographic findings that do not represent a structural anomaly
- They may be a normal variant or may indicate an increased risk of underlying fetal genetic abnormality
Soft markers correlate with other risk factors such as what? 3
- History (previous pregnancies, family history)
- Maternal age
- Maternal serum testing results
Patients are referred for _____________ to review their risk of having a chromosomal abnormal fetus
Genetic counselling
Patients will decide if they will choose to have genetic testing like what?
Amniocentesis or CVS
What are soft markers on ultrasound? 6
- Thickened nuchal fold
- Echogenic bowel
- Mild ventriculomegaly
- Echogenic focus in the heart
- CHoroid plexus cyst
- Shortened long bones
Meet C’s
What are some soft markers associated with T21? 5
- Echogenic intracardiac focus
- Nuchal fold increase
- Absent, hypoplastic nasal bone
- Echogenic bowel
- Shortened femur/ humerus
Echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) can be what?
Unilateral or bilateral, single or multiple
EIF can happen _____% in the left ventricle, _____% in the right and _____% biventricular?
- 88%
- 5%
- 7%
Right sided, biventricular or multiple are considered more significant and are reviewed for what?
Possible karyotyping (amniocentesis)
Is EIF associated with congenital heart disease?
No
EIF must be as bright as what?
Bone
For EIF what must we do if we see it? 4
- Document four chamber view in split screen
- One screen demonstrating the EIF
- Second screen decrease gain until bone disappears
- Is the EIF still present?
What is the size of nuchal fold factors that are normal at 16-17 weeks?
> _ 5mm
What is the normal values for Nuchal fold around 18-24 weeks ?
> _ 6 mm
What is the nuchal index formula?
(Mean nuchal fold in mm/ BPD in mm) x 100
What is the threshold value is for nuchal index?
11
________ or ________ nasal bone is an ultrasound marker for fetal Down syndrome?
Hypoplastic or absent nasal bone
Nasal bone is routinely visualized where?
On nuchal translucency screen
When should the Nasal bone be demonstrated?
On fetal profile image at the 18 week detailed scan
At the 18 week scan for the nasal bone what should we see for Down’s?
Absent or hypoplastic <_2.5mm
Should ethnicity be considered for nasal bone? Why?
- Yes
- In the Caucasian population an absent nasal bone is suggestive of an increase of an aneuploidy
What significantly decreases the risk of having T21?
Having a nasal bone
What is echogenic bowel?
When the bowel must be as bright as bone
If we see a echogenic bowel what must we do? 2
- Same technique to document as EIF
- However, must use <_ 5 MHz transducer frequency