Characteristics and outcome of 102 fetuses with fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly: Experience of a university hospital in Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of associated structural anomalies and the outcome of fetuses with ventriculomegaly. We retrospectively collected 102 cases of antenatally diagnosed ventriculomegaly examined between 2000 and 2008. Ventricular width measurements were 10–12 mm, 12.1–14.9 mm and ≥ 15 mm in 24.5%, 20.6% and 54.9% of the cases, respectively. Associated structural malformations were detected in 77.4% of the fetuses. Mortality rate of fetuses with associated malformations and isolated ventriculomegaly was 86.1% and 55.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). The mortality rate was significantly lower in mild (10–12 mm) than in moderate (12.1–14.9 mm) and severe (≥ 15 mm) cases (p < 0.05). All of the fetuses with mild isolated ventriculomegaly were alive at >12 months of age, without morbidity. Our results suggest that the prognosis of fetuses with ventriculomegaly mainly depends on the aetiology and on the presence of associated abnormalities. Fetuses with mild isolated ventriculomegaly have a favourable outcome.

Keywords:

• Fetal ventriculomegaly
• perinatal outcome
• pregnancy termination
• prenatal diagnosis

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.