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Prenatal findings and associated survival rates in fetal ventriculomegaly: A prospective observational study
Author(s) -
Ryan Gillian A.,
Start Alexander O.,
Cathcart Barbara,
Hughes Heather,
Dea Branko,
Higgins Shane,
Corcoran Siobhan,
Walsh Jennifer,
Carroll Stephen,
Mahony Rhona,
Crimmins Darach,
Caird John,
Robinson Ian,
Colleran Gabrielle,
McParland Peter,
McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1002/ijgo.14206
Subject(s) - medicine , observational study , ventriculomegaly , fetus , obstetrics , prospective cohort study , pregnancy , genetics , biology
Objectives Fetal ventriculomegaly is associated with varying degrees of genetic and structural abnormalities. The objective was to present the experience of fetal ventriculomegaly in a large European center in relation to: 1. grade of ventriculomegaly; 2. additional chromosomal/structural abnormalities; and 3. perinatal survival rates. Methods This was a prospective observational study of patients referred with fetal ventriculomegaly from January 2011 to July 2020. Data were obtained from the hospital database and analyzed to determine the rate of isolated ventriculomegaly, associated structural abnormalities, chromosomal/genetic abnormalities, and survival rates. Data were stratified into three groups; mild (Vp = 10–12 mm), moderate (Vp = 13–15 mm) and severe (Vp > 15 mm) ventriculomegaly. Results There were 213 fetuses included for analysis. Of these 42.7% had mild ventriculomegaly, 44.6% severe and 12.7% had moderate ventriculomegaly. Initial ultrasound assessment reported isolated ventriculomegaly in 45.5% fetuses, with additional structural abnormalities in 54.5%. The rate of chromosomal/genetic abnormalities was high,16.4%. After all investigations, the true rate of isolated VM was 36.1%. The overall survival was 85.6%. Survival was higher for those with isolated VM across all groups ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Ventriculomegaly is a complex condition and patients should be counselled that even with apparently isolated VM, there remains the possibility of additional genetic and/or structural problems being diagnosed in up to 10% of fetuses.