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Updated: Aug 1, 2026
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In Utero Intraventricular Injection and Electroporation of E16 Rat Embryos
Published on: July 19, 2007
[Intraventricular hemorrhage in utero].
A Gautier1, C Metz, J J Chabaud
1Service de Pédiatrie et Génétique Médicale CHU Morvan, Brest.
Archives Francaises De Pediatrie
|June 1, 1990
Summary
A case of fetal intraventricular hemorrhage, linked to subependymal hemorrhage, was diagnosed via ultrasound. This finding suggests a potential cause for some cases of neonatal idiopathic hydrocephalus.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Neurology
- Fetal Medicine
- Pediatric Radiology
Background:
- Subependymal hemorrhage (SEH) is a common cause of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants.
- Fetal diagnosis of SEH/IVH is challenging but crucial for understanding neonatal outcomes.
- Idiopathic hydrocephalus in neonates remains a condition with often unknown etiology.
Observation:
- A case of fetal intraventricular hemorrhage secondary to subependymal hemorrhage was identified at 27 weeks of gestational age via ultrasound.
- No specific underlying cause for the hemorrhage was identified in the fetus.
- The pregnancy and neonatal outcome were favorable despite the diagnosis.
Findings:
- Ultrasound is capable of diagnosing fetal subependymal hemorrhage and subsequent intraventricular hemorrhage.
- The absence of a clear etiology in this case highlights the possibility of spontaneous fetal SEH/IVH.
- Fetal SEH/IVH may represent an underrecognized cause of neonatal hydrocephalus.
Implications:
- This case suggests that fetal subependymal/intraventricular hemorrhage could be a precursor to some cases of idiopathic hydrocephalus observed in newborns.
- Early prenatal diagnosis of SEH/IVH may allow for better management and counseling.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the link between fetal SEH/IVH and neonatal hydrocephalus.
