We had another ultrasound yesterday at the doctors office. When we had our 20 week appointment, they saw 2 small spots on Boston's heart. They are called Echogenic Foci, which are small spots of calcium in the heart.
When we first found out, the doctor told us this sometimes could be an indicator of Downs Syndrome, but also that lots of babies have these foci with absolutely no problems. He said having them increases the risk of Downs Syndrome by less than 1% and it was nothing we should worry about. He also said most of the time they go away on their own and nothing more is ever an issue with them. We scheduled a second ultrasound to check the progress, which is the one we had yesterday.
It looks like now there may be a third spot in the heart, or one they missed the first time. Our doctor is sending us to a Perinatologist to get a more focused ultrasound and see if they can tell anything more.
The good news: There are no other abnormalities found and other than the foci, it looks like Boston is a perfectly healthy little boy. (There are usually more abnormalities in Downs Syndrome babies that are more obvious on an ultrasound) Because I am only 22, the chances of Downs are significantly lower, even with the presence of these foci. Our doctor says he still is not too concerned about it, but would just feel more comfortable with the second opinion of a specialist.
The blah news: Having three foci is slightly more concerning than just one. Also, if the foci were only in the left ventricle of the heart, it would be even less concerning, but one of Bostons is in the right ventricle as well. Again, not necessarily significant, but its just another concern.
Anyone out there ever have an ultrasound with echogenic foci? Or know of anyone that has? Either way, we have our appointment with the specialist next Wednesday so we should hopefully know more then. We are trying to stay positive and have faith that everything is going to be just fine. Deep down, we both really feel like it will be, but there is always that concern. We would appreciate any prayers or happy thoughts sent our way!
When we first found out, the doctor told us this sometimes could be an indicator of Downs Syndrome, but also that lots of babies have these foci with absolutely no problems. He said having them increases the risk of Downs Syndrome by less than 1% and it was nothing we should worry about. He also said most of the time they go away on their own and nothing more is ever an issue with them. We scheduled a second ultrasound to check the progress, which is the one we had yesterday.
It looks like now there may be a third spot in the heart, or one they missed the first time. Our doctor is sending us to a Perinatologist to get a more focused ultrasound and see if they can tell anything more.
The good news: There are no other abnormalities found and other than the foci, it looks like Boston is a perfectly healthy little boy. (There are usually more abnormalities in Downs Syndrome babies that are more obvious on an ultrasound) Because I am only 22, the chances of Downs are significantly lower, even with the presence of these foci. Our doctor says he still is not too concerned about it, but would just feel more comfortable with the second opinion of a specialist.
The blah news: Having three foci is slightly more concerning than just one. Also, if the foci were only in the left ventricle of the heart, it would be even less concerning, but one of Bostons is in the right ventricle as well. Again, not necessarily significant, but its just another concern.
Anyone out there ever have an ultrasound with echogenic foci? Or know of anyone that has? Either way, we have our appointment with the specialist next Wednesday so we should hopefully know more then. We are trying to stay positive and have faith that everything is going to be just fine. Deep down, we both really feel like it will be, but there is always that concern. We would appreciate any prayers or happy thoughts sent our way!
5 comments:
Prayers are coming your way for sure!! With Payson they spotted some abnormalities as well (they thought she had a club foot, not quite the same as foci, but it worried me) and I remember feeling like everything would be okay. If you have that feeling it's most likely the Lord's comfort. We'll keep baby Boston in our prayers anyway. Hopefully everything turns out perfectly!!
I've never even hear of the Foci but our thoughts and prayers are definitely with you guys!:)I love the nursery by the way, it's totally something you would pick out!
You are definitely in my prayers. I know that with your faith everything will turn out fine. The Lord doesn't give us anything we can't handle. I believe that's true in this situation as well! My thoughts are with you guys and especially baby Boston.
Wow, that's stressful, but your nursery rocks!
My sister's little baby had the same thing initially. Everything was fine, he is as healthy as can be and no problems. Like you said I think the risks are low, especially without having other signs of problems.
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