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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
10:02
State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
Fetal macrocrania: diagnosis, delivery and outcomes
Summary
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal macrocrania, often caused by ventriculomegaly, requires Cesarean delivery and neonatal intensive care. Many infants need ventriculoperitoneal shunting for cerebrospinal fluid flow issues.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Macrocrania is typically diagnosed in children, but prenatal identification is possible.
- Fetal macrocrania is frequently associated with ventriculomegaly, indicating cerebrospinal fluid flow obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the prenatal diagnosis of fetal macrocrania.
- To outline delivery considerations for macrocrania.
- To report on clinical outcomes of infants with fetal macrocrania.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 26,885 ultrasounds.
- Reviewed medical records for demographic, ultrasound, obstetric management, and outcome data.
Main Results:
- Twenty-three fetuses diagnosed with macrocrania.
- High rate of Cesarean delivery (91%), often with classical incision (62%).
- Significant morbidity including neonatal death (22%) and need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting (78%).
Conclusions:
- Prenatal diagnosis of macrocrania is feasible.
- Delivery often necessitates Cesarean section and specialized neonatal care.
- Recommended management includes targeted ultrasonography, parental counseling, and delivery at a tertiary center with neurosurgery support.
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