The fetal dandy walker complex: associated anomalies, perinatal outcome and postnatal imaging.
OBJECTIVE
This study compares the diagnostic accuracy of prenatal ultrasound with postnatal imaging and evaluates for associated fetal anomalies and their impact on immediate neonatal outcome in fetal Dandy Walker complex (DWC).


METHODS
Cases of fetal DWC diagnosed in a single ultrasound unit from January 2000 through July 2004 were reviewed for associated fetal anomalies, fetal karyotype, immediate neonatal outcome and postnatal head imaging.


RESULTS
A total of 55 fetuses with DWC were identified. Of liveborn cases, postnatal imaging confirmed prenatal intracranial findings in 50% of Dandy Walker variant (DWV) and 100% of Dandy Walker malformation (DWM), with additional central nervous system findings noted in 21% of all cases. Additional fetal anomalies were seen in 26/40 (65%) cases of DWV and 15/15 (100%) cases of DWM. Immediate neonatal survival was predicted by karyotype and associated fetal anomalies.


CONCLUSIONS
The sonographic diagnosis of fetal DWM is accurate. Significant discrepancies exist in prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of DWV. Comprehensive fetal ultrasound and karyotype should be offered for all fetuses with DWC. Postnatal imaging should be performed on all fetal DWC.
Harper
Terry
T
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599, USA.
Fordham
Lynn Ansley
LA
Wolfe
Honor M
HM
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D000649:Amniocentesis; D000782:Aneuploidy; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology; D003616:Dandy-Walker Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal