Clinical prognosis of isolated mild fetal ventriculomegaly diagnosed with prenatal ultrasonography

Objective To evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of fetuses with isolated mild ventriculomegaly (IMV) diagnosed with prenatal ultrasonography. Methods Clinical data of 22 fetuses with IMV diagnosed with prenatal ultrasonography were analyzed retrospectively. Postnatal follow-up was also conducted,and nervous system development were emphatically observed. Results Totally 22 fetuses were successfully followed up,the average width of the lateral ventricles was 12.5 mm (10.3-14.1 mm). The pregnancy was terminated in 2 pregnant women (chromosomal aberration trisomy 21 in 1 fetus). Twenty fetuses were delivered (12 males and 8 females),1 of them died during the early neonatal period. Among the 19 infants that remained in follow-up,18 were normal,while 1 case got nervous system developmental retardation. Spontaneous regression of the IMV during late pregnancy occurred in 6 cases. Conclusion Ultrasonography is an effective method for prenatal diagnosis of IMV. In most cases,the prognosis of fetuses is good. However,postnatal follow up should be emphasized.