Abstract
The ventricular atrium, cisterna magna (CM), and cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) are three intracranial structures that are easily examined in nearly every fetus and serve as sensitive anatomic markers of and abnormal brain development. Careful attention to these three regions will help the sonologist identify most fetuses with serious congenital neural axis malformations. Further, among fetuses at average risk (among whom the prevalence of CNS malformations is low, approximately 1 to 2:1,000), the appearances of these structures serve to enhance the examiner's confidence in making what is often the most difficult diagnosis, normal 2,2 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LATERAL CEREBRAL VENTRICLE Enlargement of the fetal cerebral ventricles is an extremely important observation, well worth the effort of excluding in every fetus. Ventricular dilatation is a sensitive indicator of fetal CNS malformation because most of the more common anomalies are accompanied by ventricular dilatation. Thus, fetal ventriculomegaly (VM) serves as an important sonographic window into anomalous fetal development. Fetal VM is also often the most conspicuous abnormality in fetuses with multiple anomalies. Associated malformations are common and occur in 70% to 80% of fetuses with VM. Unfortunately, less conspicuous malformations may be missed during obstetrical sonography, 20% to 40% in some series. 3-9
Published Version
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