LATERAL CEREBRAL VENTRICULOMEGALY- PRENATAL ASPECTS

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate in the group of the fetus with a diagnosis of the lateral cerebral ventriculomegaly DVC the presence of the associated anomalies, precise the prenatal investigations and immediate post natal evolution.

Methods and Materials: Between January 1998 and December 2004, the fetus presenting DVC were reviewed, the associated anomalies and pregnancy evolution were studied

Results: 72 fetus were identified, 60 (83%) presenting bilateral cerebral ventriculomegaly and 12 (17%) with unilateral ventriculomegaly. This DVC was defined as mild (10–15mm) in 35 cases (48%), moderate (16–20mm) in 22 (31%) and severe (>21) in a group of 15 (21%) fetus. A gestational age at a moment of diagnosis was 27 weeks (14–36 SA). The DVC remained stable throughout pregnancy

in 48% of cases, modified in 52% (reduced at 24% of fetus and worsened in 28%). The associated anomalies were detected with sonography at 55 fetus, 14 non CNS abnormalities et 36 intra cerebral malformations. The additional investigations were performed: caryotype analysis 34 (abnormal 7), fetal magnetic resonance imaging IRM 13 (abnormal 8), maternal serologic studies 9 (positive 4). Evolution shows 32 terminations of pregnancy IMG, 5 intrauterine demises MIU, 34 living births with 6 deaths in the early postnatal period.

Conclusions: The DVC represent a frequent pathology observed in prenatal. The prognostic depends on a degree of enlargement of the ventricles and a presence of a wide variety of associated anomalies.