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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Manual Segmentation of the Human Choroid Plexus Using Brain MRI
Published on: December 15, 2023
Isolated prenatal choroid plexus cysts do not affect child development
Janet A DiPietro1, Elizabeth A Cristofalo, Kristin M Voegtline
1Department of Population and Family Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. jdipietr@jhsph.edu
Insights
Isolated prenatal choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) in fetuses with normal karyotypes do not impact child development. This study found no significant differences in cognitive, behavioral, motor, or autonomic development at 18 months.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
- Fetal Medicine
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Prenatal choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) are common findings during fetal ultrasound.
- The clinical significance of isolated CPCs, particularly regarding long-term child development, requires further investigation.
- Understanding the impact of isolated CPCs on neurodevelopment is crucial for parental counseling and clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between isolated prenatal choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) and child development at 18 months of age.
- To assess cognitive, behavioral, motor, and autonomic development in children with a history of isolated prenatal CPCs compared to controls.
- To provide evidence-based information for healthcare providers and parents regarding the developmental outcomes of isolated CPCs.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study comparing children with isolated prenatal CPCs (n=25) and controls (n=45).
- Standardized developmental assessments were used to evaluate mental and motor development at 18 months.
- Examiner ratings assessed socioemotional and behavioral functioning; accelerometers measured motor activity; ECG analyzed autonomic control (vagal tone).
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in cognitive, behavioral, motor, or autonomic development measures between the CPC group and the control group at 18 months.
- Specific outcome measures included mental development index, psychomotor development index, behavioral ratings, motor activity levels, and heart rate variability indicators of vagal tone.
- All assessed developmental domains appeared unaffected by the presence of isolated prenatal CPCs in the absence of other fetal anomalies.
Conclusions:
- Isolated choroid plexus cysts detected prenatally in fetuses with normal karyotypes are not associated with adverse developmental outcomes at 18 months of age.
- These findings offer reassurance to clinicians and parents, suggesting that isolated CPCs do not negatively impact a child's cognitive, behavioral, or motor development.
- Continued monitoring and research may further elucidate the long-term implications, but current evidence supports a benign developmental trajectory for isolated CPCs.
Objective:
To examine the effect of isolated prenatal choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) on child cognitive, behavioral, motor, and autonomic development at 18 months of age.
Methods:
A prospective design was implemented to identify CPC cases and controls in mid-pregnancy. Cases (n = 25) and controls (n = 45) participated in a follow-up visit when children were 18 months of age. Child mental and motor development was assessed using standard developmental assessments, socioemotional and behavioral functioning during testing was rated by examiners, and accelerometers provided measures of motor activity and energy expenditure. Cardiac patterns were collected using a three-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and quantified as indicators of autonomic control of the heart, including vagal tone.
Results:
No significant differences were found in any outcome measure between children with prenatal CPC detection and those without.
Conclusion:
Findings should provide reassurance to practitioners and parents that isolated CPCs in fetuses with normal karyotypes do not affect child development after birth.
