Soft markers of chromosomal aneuploidies

ABSTRACT

Soft markers are transient, non specific signs seen during routine second trimester ultrasounds in many foetal organ systems, which may be present in normal foetuses but have been found in association with abnormal karyotypes as well. This article discusses the sonographic features to correctly elicit the soft markers and eliminating artefacts which may create false positive identification of these markers. Further more the prevalence rates of these soft markers in the affected as well as the general population are discussed along with the change in the background risk for chromosomal aneuploides once these markers are found. The impacts of these soft markers on the future development of the organ systems along with other associations of the markers are also detailed