Prenatal diagnosis and clinical significance of lung calcifications

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with the prenatal diagnosis of fetal lung calcifications. STUDY DESIGN: Comprehensive ultrasound examinations were performed in 16292 pregnancies between 16 and 40 weeks of pregnancy between 1992-1996. Lung calcification was defined as a structure within the fetal lung with echogenicity similar to or greater than that of the bone. All fetuses with identifiable lung calcifications underwent karyotyping, viral and serological studies. The neonatal outcome was analyzed in each case. RESULTS: Seven fetuses were identified as having lung calcifications. Three fetuses had echogenic foci in the left lung, two in the right lung. In two fetuses both lungs were affected. Two fetuses had co-existing severe congenital anomalies (omphalocele and microcephaly) and both pregnancies were terminated. One fetus had echogenic bowel and liver calcifications and tested positive for CMV. Four fetuses with isolated lung calcifications had a normal antepartum course and neonatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal lung calcifications are rare finding on prenatal sonography. When lung calcifications are associated with other organ calcifications or anomalies, the prognosis may be unfavorable. Isolated lung calcifications are probably benign lesions.