Chromosomal findings in fetuses with ultrasonographically diagnosed ventriculomegaly

Out of 1101 fetuses with prenatally diagnosed malformations and/or growth retardation 166 (15.1%) revealed a ventriculomegaly. Out of these 18 fetuses (10.8%) demonstrated a chromosomal disorder. Within the group of 97 fetuses with isolated hydrocephalus 6 (6.2%) revealed a chromosomal abnormality. Two fetuses among 29 (6.9%) with hydrocephalus and spina bifida as the only additional sign showed pathologic karyotypes. Among fetuses with additional malformations, 10 out of 40 (25.0%) had a chromosomal disorder. Our data demonstrate that a prenatally diagnosed hydrocephalus should be regarded as an indication for a chromosomal analysis, with the highest amount of chromosomal disorders in fetuses with different additional malformations.