Outcomes of Isolated Fetal Ventriculomegaly That Resolve In Utero

Area of Science:

• Prenatal diagnosis
• Fetal medicine
• Genetics

Background:

• Isolated fetal ventriculomegaly is a common antenatal ultrasound finding.
• While often benign, it can be linked to genetic, structural, and neurocognitive issues.
• Over 40% of mild cases may resolve before birth, but the impact on associated risks is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare fetal and neonatal genetic outcomes in cases of persistent versus resolved isolated ventriculomegaly.
• To evaluate the significance of in utero resolution on associated risks.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 49 patients diagnosed with isolated ventriculomegaly.
• Exclusion of cases with other structural anomalies.
• Comparison of genetic outcomes between resolved and persistent ventriculomegaly groups.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in aneuploidy risk between resolved (5%) and persistent (7%) ventriculomegaly groups.
• Earlier diagnosis in the resolved group (24 vs. 28 weeks).
• No significant difference in the rate of postnatal neurological abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• In utero resolution of isolated ventriculomegaly does not eliminate the risk of genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.
• Aneuploidy screening or testing should be considered for patients with resolved isolated ventriculomegaly.
• Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.