P02.03: Cerebral ventriculomegaly: prenatal aspects and early post‐natal evolution

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study is to analyse fetuses with cerebral ventriculomegaly, to look for associated anomalies, to precise the prenatal investigations and the early post-natal evolution. Between January 1998 and December 2004, all fetuses with cerebral ventriculomegaly diagnosed in our department of prenatal ultrasonography were reviewed. The associated fetal anomalies, the type of investigations and the pregnancy evolution were studied. 72 fetuses were identified, 60 (83%) with bilateral cerebral ventriculomegaly and 12 (17%) with unilateral ventriculomegaly. The ventriculomegaly was defined as mild (10–15 mm) in 35 cases (48%), moderate (16–20 mm) in 22 (31%) and severe (> 21 mm) in 15 (21%). The mean gestational age at the diagnosis was 27 weeks of pregnancy (14–36). The ventriculomegaly remained stable throughout pregnancy in 48% of cases, modified in 52% (reduced for 24% and worsened in 28%). Associated anomalies were detected with sonography in 55 fetuses 14 were extra-cerebral abnormalities and 36 intra-cerebral. Other prenatal investigations were performed: 34 karyotypes (abnormal 7), 13 fetal magnetic resonance imaging (abnormal 8), 9 maternal serologic studies (positive 4). The evolution was: 32 terminations of pregnancy, 5 intrauterine demises, 34 living births with 6 deaths in the early postnatal period. Cerebral ventriculomegaly represents a frequent prenatal anomaly. The prognosis is related with the size of lateral ventricle and the presence of associated anomalies, our rate of termination of pregnancy is high for severe cases.