Prenatal Diagnosis of Choroid Plexus Cyst: What Next?

Abstract

Introduction and Objective

Fetal choroid plexus cysts (CPC) are often detected on prenatal ultrasounds and pose a need to formulate protocol for management and counseling.

Methodology

A total of 1024 unselected cases between gestational ages 11 and 20 weeks were sonologically screened for CPC in 1-year period. On ultrasound, CPC are seen as sonolucent spaces in the echogenic choroid plexus of lateral ventricles of brain measuring at least 2–3 mm in diameter. Those diagnosed with CPC were subjected to thorough anomaly scan. Prenatal karyotype was offered in cases of associated anomalies.

Results

The incidence of CPC is 1% (10/1024) in this study. Associated anomalies were found in 20% (2/10) of cases, which were offered invasive testing for fetal karyotype. All the cases with isolated CPC had good outcome.

Conclusions

Isolated CPC with low-risk biochemical screening for aneuploidies are now considered normal variants rather than a pathology, need no invasive testing and carry a good prognosis. CPC associated with other anomalies warrant invasive testing and are more likely to be associated with Trisomy 18.