Natural history of fetal isolated ventriculomegaly: Comparison between pre- and post-natal imaging

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of our study was to assess the agreement between pre- and post-natal measurements in prenatal isolated ventriculomegaly.

Methods: Ninety-two women were referred for lateral ventricular abnormality and followed prospectively. Cases with at least one dilated lateral ventricle ≥10 mm and a normal work up (serological tests, detailed anatomical scan, fetal brain MR imaging, genetic counseling, and amniocentesis) were considered idiopathic ventriculomegaly and comprised the study group for post-natal follow up. Prenatal measurements were performed by ultrasound and MR imaging. Post-natal measurements were performed by cranial sonography at age of 1–3 months. Measurements were performed in the customary plane for each modality. Paired Student’s t test was used to assess the mean difference between pre- and postnatal measurements.

Results: Forty three cases comprised the study group for post-natal measurements. A statistically significant decrease in ventricular width (p < .001) was observed between pre- and post-natal measurements. On clinical follow up for 24 months, all cases were normal except three who demonstrated very mild neurological deficits.

Conclusions: Our study indicates statistically significant regression of prenatal isolated ventriculomegaly in the post-natal period.

Keywords:

• Isolated ventriculomegaly
• post-natal
• pre-natal
• MRI
• ultrasound

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.