Severe and Progressive Fetal Ventriculomegaly Leading to the Diagnosis of Periventricular Nodular Heterotopias with Good Outcome

Abstract

Severe fetal ventriculomegaly is generally associated with poor prognosis in terms of survival and neurodevelopment outcome. As such, many parents opt to terminate the pregnancy independently of a known etiology. We report here the case of a female fetus with severe progressive ventriculomegaly due to the unexpected presence of bilateral nodular periventricular heterotopias visualized on MRI of a fetal brain. Reaching a structural diagnosis was perceived as a relief for the parents and the pregnancy was continued. Neurodevelopment assessment at 3 years of age is normal with no epilepsy.

Keywords

severe ventriculomegaly - fetal neurology - periventricular nodular heterotopias - outcome

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