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Natural history of apparently isolated severe fetal ventriculomegaly: perinatal survival and neurodevelopmental outcome
Author(s) -
Kennelly M. M.,
Cooley S. M.,
McParland P. J.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
prenatal diagnosis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.956
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1097-0223
pISSN - 0197-3851
DOI - 10.1002/pd.2378
Subject(s) - medicine , pregnancy , ventriculomegaly , pediatrics , fetus , prenatal diagnosis , natural history , referral , obstetrics , genetics , family medicine , biology
Abstract Objective To review the prenatal diagnosis of apparently isolated severe ventriculomegaly (SVM) in a tertiary referral fetal medicine unit and report on perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Methods All cases of isolated SVM referred to Fetal Medicine at the NMH between 2000 and 2008 were identified. Outcome information was obtained from detailed telephone interviews with parents and paediatric records and histopathology in cases of stillborn fetuses. Results Thirty‐six cases of SVM were referred, out of which 19 were diagnosed with ‘apparently’ isolated SVM. Macrocrania was present in 88% at 36 weeks (mean HC 439 mm). Cephalocentesis was performed in six cases with poor prognosis. All resulted in perinatal loss. The neurodevelopmental outcome of survivors with isolated SVM (ten live‐born survivors) showed major neurological morbidity in 50% (5/10) of the cases, mild morbidity in 40% (4/10) and a normal outcome in only one case. Conclusion Isolated SVM had a very poor perinatal outcome with neurological and physical disability in the overwhelming majority. Only one case of the 17 (6%) diagnosed initially with ‘apparently’ isolated SVM was born alive without handicap. Information from our series may aid couples in decision making about pregnancy interruption and the difficult decision of prenatal or intrapartum cephalocentesis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.