Neurodevelopmental outcome of isolated ventriculomegaly: a prospective cohort study.

Abstract

Data regarding the neurodevelopmental outcome of children diagnosed in utero with isolated ventriculomegaly (IVM) are limited and principally founded on ultrasound-based studies. Here, we endeavored to assess the outcome of such cases in a large-scale, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based study. We conducted a study on 133 cases of IVM with a documented fetal brain MRI scan. Children were assessed at ages 18 to 36months by using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales scores were within normal range. There was no significant difference between VABS score in symmetric versus asymmetric IVM (101.7 vs. 101.6, respectively; p=0.94), and the VABS score of mild IVM was comparable with that of moderate IVM (101.8 vs. 101; p=0.8). Only five cases (3.8%) were found to have an abnormal score (<85). There was no significant difference in the rate of abnormal scores between mild and moderate IVM (2.8% vs. 8.3%, respectively; p=0.22). In cases of isolated ventriculomegaly, a normal neurodevelopmental outcome is to be expected; moreover, the outcome does not appear to be affected by the severity or asymmetry of the ventriculomegaly. Thus, following a meticulous workup, patients can be given reassuring counseling regarding the child's prognosis. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.