Choroidal plexus cyst: What pregnant women need to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was written by Specialist Doctor I Vo Ta Son - Fetal Medicine Unit - Vinmec Times City General Hospital
In fetuses with choroidal plexus cysts, 2.1% have chromosomal abnormalities, the majority of fetuses will have other abnormalities that can be observed on ultrasound. However, when no other abnormalities are observed on ultrasound, the risk of a chromosomal abnormality is about 1 in 300.

1. What is choroid plexus cyst?

The choroid plexus is a glandular structure located within the lateral ventricles of the fetus and produces cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid is located in the ventricular system and has a protective effect on brain and spinal organization. The choroid plexus cyst is a small, regular, fluid-filled cystic structure that forms within the choroid plexus, seen in 1% to 2% of neonates.

2. How are choroid plexus cysts formed?

The exact cause of choroidal plexus cysts is unknown. This is a fluid-filled cavity, similar to a bulging cyst, and is not considered a structural brain abnormality.

3. Is the presence of choroidal plexus cysts associated with chromosomal abnormalities?

Chromosomes are where most of our genetic information is stored. We have 46 paired chromosomes, of which 23 are of paternal origin and the remaining 23 are of maternal origin. For example, a carrier of trisomy 18 will have an extra chromosome 18. There have been reports of an association of choroidal plexus cysts with trisomy 18. About one-third of fetuses with trisomy 18 have choroidal plexus cysts.

4. What tests should pregnant women do?

You will have a detailed ultrasound of the fetal morphology to check for any other abnormalities. When there are no other abnormalities, in most cases no further testing is needed. Your doctor will advise and help you make a decision. If the ultrasound detects other abnormalities, you will be offered tests to get more information about your baby's chromosomes. That could be a noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT) or amniocentesis, depending on your availability and options.

5. What are the things pregnant women need to pay attention to during pregnancy?

The finding of a single choroidal plexus cyst by fetal ultrasonography should not alter the management of pregnancy. Most cysts disappear after 28 weeks.

6. Will choroid plexus cysts affect the baby at birth?

Studies evaluating the outcomes of chromosomally normal infants diagnosed with choroidal plexus cysts before birth have shown no difference in brain function, motor function, and behavior, because That is, no postpartum assessment is required.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

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