Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes
Published on: January 19, 2013
Altered cortical development in fetuses with isolated nonsevere ventriculomegaly assessed by neurosonography
Nadine Hahner1, Bienvenido Puerto1, Miriam Perez-Cruz1
1Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research Center, BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
Objectives:
To perform a comprehensive assessment of cortical development in fetuses with isolated nonsevere ventriculomegaly (INSVM) by neurosonography.
Methods:
We prospectively included 40 fetuses with INSVM and 40 controls. INSVM was defined as atrial width between 10.0 and 14.9 mm without associated malformation, infection, or chromosomal abnormality. Cortical development was assessed by neurosonography at 26 and 30 weeks of gestation measuring depth of selected sulci and applying a maturation scale from 0 (no appearance) to 5 (maximally developed) of main sulci and areas.
Results:
INSVM showed underdeveloped calcarine and parieto-occipital sulci. In addition, significant delayed maturation pattern was also observed in regions distant to ventricular system including Insula depth (controls 30.8 mm [SD 1.7] vs INSVM 31.7 mm [1.8]; P = .04), Sylvian fissure grading (>2 at 26 weeks: controls 87.5% vs INSVM 50%, P = .01), mesial area grading (>2 at 30 weeks: controls 95% vs INSVM 62.5%; P = .03), and cingulate sulcus grading (>2 at 30 weeks: controls 100% vs INSVM 80.5%; P = .01).
Conclusions:
Fetuses with INSVM showed underdeveloped cortical maturation including also regions, where effect of ventricular dilatation is unlikely. These results suggest that in a proportion of fetuses with INSVM, ventricular dilation might be related with altered cortical architecture.
Related Concept Videos
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the...
Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
Altered States of Awareness
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain...
Alterations in Blood Pressure
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart...
Sustainable Development
Language Development
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...

