Dilated cavum septi pellucidi as sole prenatal ultrasound defect: Case-base analysis of fetal outcomes

This retrospective study was undertaken to examine fetuses with dilated cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) as an isolated finding and to identify factors impacting postnatal outcomes.

Fully documented cases of dilated CSP as a sole prenatal defect were selected for study. Recorded data included serial sonographic examinations, fetal MRI studies, chromosomal testing, screening for infection, and postnatal follow-up. Fetal subjects were further stratified by gender, gestational age at diagnosis (<28 w or ≥28 w), CSP width at diagnosis (<10 mm or ≥10 mm), evolution at term (persistent vs non-persistent CSP), and postnatal MRI diagnosis (presence/absence of CSP cyst). Chi-square or Fisher's exact test (as appropriate) was used to compare categorical variables and patient groups.

A total of 48 fetuses met our inclusion criteria, none exhibiting chromosomal abnormalities. Six (12.5%) of these 48 were subsequently diagnosed with neurodevelopmental delays. However, such delays were unrelated to any categorical variable listed above (p > 0.05).

Dilated CSP as an isolated prenatal finding by ultrasound or MRI carries a low risk of chromosomal abnormalities but a high risk of neurodevelopmental delay. These perils should be adequately conveyed to the parents of such infants.