echogenic amniotic fluid

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Echogenic amniotic fluid is an uncommon finding on obstetric ultrasound.

Epidemiology

Echogenic amniotic fluid is reported to occur in ~4% of first and second-trimester ultrasound examinations .

Pathology

Etiology

Echogenic amniotic fluid can be seen in normal pregnancies but can also be seen in association with various conditions:

First trimester : 
  • hemorrhage into the amniotic cavity
Second trimester :
  • vernix caseosa
    • a fatty substance that covers fetus' and neonate's skin
    • most common cause
  • meconium contamination
  • hemorrhage into the amniotic cavity
  • acrania-anencephaly sequence
  • harlequin ichthyosis
  • epidermolysis bullosa letalis 
  • in patients with higher concentrations of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein
Third Trimester
  • vernix caseosa
  • meconium contamination