Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2025
Author Spotlight: Bridging Gaps in Anatomy and Establishing a Foundation for Algorithmic Studies
Published on: December 15, 2023
Evaluation of MRI Features and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes for Prenatally Diagnosed Periventricular Pseudocysts
Cong Sun1, Xinjuan Zhang2, Xin Chen2
1Department of Radiology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Insights
Periventricular pseudocysts (PVPCs) often resolve after birth. Isolated PVPCs typically show normal neurodevelopmental outcomes, while those with additional findings are associated with poorer outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Prenatal diagnosis of periventricular pseudocysts (PVPCs) using MRI is increasing.
- Understanding the neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with PVPCs is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the morphologic changes and neurodevelopmental outcomes of fetuses diagnosed with PVPCs.
- To compare outcomes between isolated PVPCs and those with additional findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of fetal MRI findings in 131 infants diagnosed with PVPCs.
- Postnatal brain MRI and Gesell Developmental Scale (GDS) testing were performed.
- Statistical analysis included t-tests and Lasso regression to assess developmental quotients (DQs).
Main Results:
- PVPCs frequently decreased in size or resolved postnatally.
- Infants with isolated PVPCs showed normal neurodevelopmental outcomes (higher DQs).
- PVPCs with additional findings were linked to significantly lower DQs (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Periventricular pseudocysts often resolve spontaneously after birth.
- Isolated PVPCs generally do not impact neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- The presence of additional fetal abnormalities alongside PVPCs is associated with impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Abstract:
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the morphologic features and neurodevelopmental outcomes of individuals prenatally diagnosed with a periventricular pseudocyst (PVPC). Methods: Pregnant women with a fetus prenatally diagnosed with PVPC by MRI were enrolled in this retrospective study. The fetuses with PVPCs were divided into group 1 (isolated PVPC) and group 2 (PVPC with additional findings). The surviving infants underwent brain MRI examinations and the Gesell Developmental Scale (GDS) test after birth. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare the differences in the developmental quotient (DQ) between group 1 and group 2. We also analyzed the correlations among the DQ, location (unilateral/bilateral), size (diameter), and number (single/multiple) of the PVPCs in group 1 using Lasso regression. Results: In total, 131 infants (group 1: 78 infants, group 2: 53 infants) underwent MRI examinations after birth, and 97 infants (group 1: 59 infants, group 2: 38 infants) underwent the GDS test. Upon follow-up, the sizes of the cysts had become smaller or disappeared after birth. The average DQ in group 2 was lower than that in group 1 (all with p < 0.001). In group 1, the location (unilateral/bilateral), size (diameter), and number (single/multiple) of the PVPC did not affect the DQ. Conclusions: The PVPCs became smaller or disappeared after birth. Isolated PVPCs usually have a normal presentation after birth regardless of the location, number, or size. For PVPCs with additional findings, the neurodevelopmental outcomes were inferior to those in isolated PVPCs.
