PP02.8 – 2549: Foetal cerebellar haemorrhage: A case-series with neurodevelopmental follow-up

Abstract

Background The cerebellum is an extremely rapidly developing brain structure during late gestation. The extensive germinal matrix layer of the foetal cerebellum is fragile and susceptible to injury. When injury occurs it may subsequently impair further cerebellar development. Cerebellar haemorrhage (CBH) is increasingly being recognized as a relatively common complication of preterm birth and is associated with a broad spectrum of neurologic disabilities. However, CBH seems a rare prenatal event. Recent advances in prenatal neuroimaging have led to an increased recognition of cerebellar lesions in the high risk foetus. Information about its pathogenesis and prognostic consequences is limited. Objective To describe the pathogenesis and neurodevelopmental outcome in foetuses with isolated CBH. Methods The Leiden University Medical Centre is a tertiary referral centre for multidisciplinary antenatal diagnosis and treatment of foetal disorders. In the past four years we have encountered four cases of isolated foetal CBH at our centre. In order to identify factors involved in the pathogenesis of isolated foetal CBH and its prognosis, we will describe the characteristics of these cases as well as their neurodevelopmental outcome. Results and conclusion These cases suggest that isolated foetal CBH may have a favourable prognosis. However, given recent reports on the role of cerebellum in cognitive, learning and behavioural functions, longer follow-up data in larger groups of patients are necessary to detect potential neurological defects in the long term.