Fetal ventriculomegaly secondary to isolated large choroid plexus cysts: prenatal findings and postnatal outcome

Prenat Diagn. 2011 Apr;31(4):395-400. doi: 10.1002/pd.2703. Epub 2011 Feb 16.

Abstract

Objective: To report the prenatal findings and postnatal outcome of fetal ventriculomegaly associated with isolated large choroid plexus cysts (CPCs).

Method: Cases of isolated fetal ventriculomegaly and large CPCs (>10 mm) were identified through a search of patient records from 2003 to 2006. Ultrasound (US) findings were reviewed: unilateral or bilateral ventriculomegaly, ventricular size, size of CPCs, and changes on serial scans. Correlation was made with fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pregnancy outcome, and long-term follow-up.

Results: Six cases of isolated large CPCs (12-30 mm) with ventriculomegaly (11-17 mm) were detected on US at 18 to 26 weeks of gestation. Serial prenatal US showed the CPCs resolved (one case) or decreased in size (five cases). Ventricular size became normal during pregnancy in five cases and decreased in size in one case. Fetal MRI performed in three cases showed no additional findings. Five patients had amniocentesis which showed normal karyotype. There was one termination of pregnancy (the fetus showed no abnormality on external examination). There were five healthy newborns, with follow-up to 4.5 years of age (one), 5.5 years (one), and 6 years (three). All had normal physical and developmental outcome.

Conclusion: Large isolated CPCs may transiently dilate the fetal cerebral ventricles. Follow-up to 6 years has shown normal growth and development.

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System Cysts / complications
  • Central Nervous System Cysts / diagnostic imaging*
  • Central Nervous System Cysts / epidemiology
  • Central Nervous System Cysts / pathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Choroid Plexus / abnormalities
  • Choroid Plexus / diagnostic imaging
  • Choroid Plexus / pathology
  • Choroid Plexus Neoplasms / complications
  • Choroid Plexus Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Choroid Plexus Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Choroid Plexus Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / complications
  • Hydrocephalus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hydrocephalus / epidemiology
  • Hydrocephalus / genetics
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / epidemiology
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome / epidemiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tumor Burden
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal* / methods
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal* / statistics & numerical data