Outcome of Prenatally-Detected Fetal Ventriculomegaly

Fetal ventriculomegaly (FVM) is a commonly- detected anomaly in the second and third trimester ultrasound scanning. Counseling in this situation is difficult, especially when the chromosomal abnormalities have been excluded. An outcome data would be helpful in counseling pregnant ladies with regards to future prognosis. A retrospective analysis of records of patients presenting to our Genetic clinic with diagnosis of FVM (lateral ventricular diameter ≥10 mm) or hydrocephalus was carried out from 1st January 2010 till 31st December 2014. Postnatal outcome information was obtained by telephonic interviews with the parents. Of 109 cases identified in medical records, 33 were excluded as they did not fit the inclusion criteria (either history of previous pregnancy or child with hydrocephalus and ongoing pregnancy was unaffected, or with lateral ventricular dilatation 15.0 mm)—13 cases (17.1 %). Group III—pregnancies with VM associated with other fetal malformation or hydramnios on ultrasound or chromosomal abnormality—33 cases (43.4 %). Group III included both mild to moderate VM of 6 months is doing well. In Group II, only two of 13 cases are alive, of whom, one is normal and another has increased head circumference but no delay at five months. Outcome of other cases were: termination in eight, stillbirth in one and lost to follow-up in two. Antenatal detection of FVM warrants more detailed evaluation, because the prognosis depends upon the size, progression, as well as the presence or absence of associated anomalies. Chromosomal studies are indicated. Generally, isolated VM with left ventricular diameter <13–15 mm, having excluded chromosomal disease with no prior history of VM, is associated with a good prognosis (92 % as evidenced in the present study).