A hepatic calcification is an area of abnormal brightness visualised within the fetal liver.
Liver Calcifications are rare but are seen in about 1 in 1750 babies. The typical baby has only one calcification, but some have more than one. In most cases, the reason for the calcification is never found. In some, the calcification can be associated with problems with the liver blood vessels, infection with a virus, small (benign) tumors or chromosome abnormalities.
Many women will choose to have more tests done to know more about the condition of the baby. The tests available depends on which country you live in. Tests to ask about include blood tests or tests on the amniotic fluid (fluid in the womb) to make sure that the calcification is not related to some common viruses, or genetic abnormalities.
Typically, additional ultrasound examinations are performed to make sure that the baby grows well, and additional calcifications are not identified in the brain, eyes, abdomen or liver of the baby.
In most cases, especially when there is only one liver calcification, the baby is healthy and the reason for the calcification is not found. If an explanation for the liver calcification is found, your doctor will further discuss with you what this means for the baby after it is born.
When no other genetic reason is found to explain the liver calcification, the chance that this happens again is rare. If there is a genetic reason, then the risk depends on the reason and a consultation with a specialist may be helpful to help sorting this out.
Disclaimer:
The content of [this leaflet/ our website] is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to medical advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialised individual medical advice relating to your individual position before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on [this leaflet/ our website]. Although we make reasonable efforts to update the information on [our leaflets/ website], we make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on [our leaflet/ website] is accurate, complete or up to date.
Last updated September 2019