Enlarged Cavum Septi Pellucidi and Vergae in the Fetus: A Cause for Concern

To investigate fetal cases identified at our institution to determine whether an enlarged cavum septi pellucidi or cavum vergae is associated with other fetal abnormalities and whether its presence warrants more detailed investigation of the fetus.

In a retrospective study, 15 high- and low-risk patients undergoing prenatal sonography who had an enlarged cavum septi pellucidi or cavum vergae identified were reviewed. Data were collected for the sonographic study indication, gestation age at diagnosis of a prominent cavum, and associated anomalies. Follow-up outcome data regarding further imaging, karyotype, diagnosis of brain anomaly, and associated congenital abnormalities were obtained.

Fifteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Nine patients were identified as having a prominent cavum septi pellucidi, and 6 were identified as having a prominent cavum vergae. The mean gestational age ± SD was 22.7 ± 5.9 weeks. Eleven patients made it to delivery. Of the 15 patients, 4 were thought to have trisomy 21, and 13 had congenital anomalies. Outcomes included 10 major adverse outcomes, 4 cases with normal development or minor abnormalities, and 1 lost to follow-up. An isolated dilated cavum on prenatal sonography was seen in 5 cases: 1 with lissencephaly on a neonatal examination, 3 premature deliveries (1 demise, 1 hospice, and 1 normal), and 1 unknown.

Our cohort had many associated clinical anomalies: 3 confirmed trisomy 21 and 1 probable trisomy 21, 2 genetic disorders, and 10 major adverse outcomes, 5 of which were grave. Although we studied a small cohort, we conclude that an enlarged cavum septi pellucidi or cavum vergae warrants consideration of genetic counseling, which may include noninvasive prenatal testing (cell-free DNA), amniocentesis with microarray testing, or both.