Isolated mild fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly: a retrospective analysis of 26 cases.
We retrospectively studied 26 fetuses with isolated mild cerebral ventriculomegaly diagnosed between 1992 and 1998 and defined by a lateral ventricular atrial diameter of 10-15 mm without any other cerebral anomaly. Our objectives were to determine maternal risk factors, to evaluate complementary investigations, to assess developmental prognosis and to propose possible management. During pregnancy 10/26 patients had regressive ventriculomegalies, ten remained borderline at birth and six were confirmed postnatally. No maternal risk factors were identified. Prenatal investigations were carried out in 69% of cases but in only a few cases supplied any information. Postnatal examinations revealed one case of Down syndrome and one of porencephaly. Four children were lost to follow-up. In the 22 other cases, four had developmental delay. Early and unexplained mild ventriculomegaly appears to have a good prognosis. If ventriculomegaly is persistent, prenatal management should be carried out to investigate chromosomal abnormalities, viral infection, and fetal cerebral parenchymal damage. A long postnatal clinical follow-up is required.
Mercier
A
A
Department of Neonatology, Rouen University Hospital Charles Nicolle, Rouen, France.
Eurin
D
D
Mercier
P Y
PY
Verspyck
E
E
Marpeau
L
L
Marret
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000002:abnormalities*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal