What causes numerous tiny calcifications in a fetal abdomen?

Question

Hi doctor,

I want to know, will the "multiple tiny calcific foci" persist in 37 weeks old fetal abdomen resolve spontaneously? Fetal ascites found around 22 weeks resolved their own. Amniocentesis and karyotyping have been done. No abnormalities were found. All other features were found normal. A viral infection test is done. No chance of infection except Toxoplasma was found. But doctors said it is not affected by AF. Can I have any valuable advice about the persisting calcific foci?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Calcific foci in the liver, heart, and multiple parts of the abdomen related to chromosomal abnormalities could show multiple congenital abnormalities.

Fetal Ascites are normally associated with parvovirus and cause hydrops fetalis; in this condition baby's body is swollen all over.

Toxoplasma infection can be transmitted from mother to fetus.

Mothers can get it from undercooked meat or unpasteurized goat milk, or exposure to cat litter. Can have flu-like symptoms, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the mother.

Baby can get the disease and mostly get the disease in the later part of pregnancy.

It can cause stillbirth, congenital structural deformities, and severe neurological defects that can affect the eyes and ears of the baby in the long term.

Multiple calcium foci are also an indication of either chromosomal or congenital abnormalities.

It is already above 32 weeks. Do have strict fetal monitoring. Injection of Dexamethasone 12 mg with an interval of 12 hours to increase baby lung maturity.

Spiramycin antibiotic to mother if baby not affected but here baby already affected.

Strict fetal monitoring is required. If computed tomography (CT) abnormalities, the delivery decision is guided by the treating consultant.

A neonatologist should be present at delivery as a baby might need resuscitation or transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit for care and detailed examination and treatment. A baby's health after birth depends on how much affected by the infection. Preventive measures like hand washing and properly cooked food can reduce the chances of transmission of Toxoplasma.

But many factors, per your description, like fetal ascites, calcific deposits in the abdomen, and Toxoplasma infection findings, indicate fetal congenital or chromosomal abnormalities.

Social welfare teams are needed for the mother's counseling, before and after delivery, regarding the suspicion and fate of the baby with suspected anomalies.

I hope it was helpful.

Kind regards.