Ectopic choroid plexus found in fetal sections: a case report with literature consideration

Area of Science:

• Developmental biology
• Neuroscience
• Pathology

Background:

• Choroid plexus (CP) is typically found within the brain ventricles, producing cerebrospinal fluid.
• Ectopic CP development is rare and poorly understood.
• Spinal cord development relies on intricate signaling and structural organization.

Observation:

• An ectopic choroid plexus (CP) was incidentally discovered attached to the posterior cervicothoracic spinal cord (C4-T6) of a 16-week aborted fetus.
• The ectopic CP was associated with a thick neuroepithelium expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin, nestin, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen.
• The fetal fourth ventricle lacked normal CP, containing a hemorrhage instead.

Findings:

• Despite the ectopic CP, the spinal cord cytoarchitecture and segmental nerves appeared normally developed.
• The lower thoracic cord exhibited secondary folding abnormalities, resembling a fan, potentially induced by the ectopic CP.
• No CD34-positive vessels were found in the ectopic neuroepithelium, suggesting limited angiogenic potential.

Implications:

• This case represents a potential first report of an ectopic choroid plexus (CP) associated with ectopic neuroepithelium.
• The findings suggest that ectopic CP and its associated neuroepithelium can influence spinal cord development.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of ectopic CP formation and its impact on fetal development.