A Significance of Fetal Choroid Plexus Cysts

Cho, Ji Hyung; Chung, Ji Youn; Won, Hye Sung; Koo, Bon Sang; Kim, Jong Soo; Kim, So Ra; Lee, Pil Ryang; Kim, Ahm

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Choroid plexus cysts(CPCs) are commonly found at a routine ultrasonography. There is, however much debate as to their clinical significance. The aim of this study were to estimate the prevalence of CPCs associated with aneuploidy and to establish the guidelines for prenatal management and parental counseling.
METHODS
Between January 1996 and December 2001, 10,917 women who underwent the secondtrimester USG at Asan Medical Center, of them CPCs were noted in 168 fetuses; there were 85 cases of isolated CPCs and 83 cases of the high risk group. All women whose fetuses were diagnosed as having CPCs underwent the targeted USG for survey of the detailed anatomy and followed with the repeat USG after 3-4weeks. We analysed the association of chromosomal abnormality and CPC, according to the size, bilaterality, and shape.
RESULTS
The incidence of CPCs was 1.60%(175/10917). The gestational age of the first detection of CPCs was 21.0+/-3.8(mean+/-SD). In the isolated CPCs(85cases) all case except one resulted in normal karyotyping. In the high risk group(83cases), eighteen of trisomy 18, and two of trisomy 21 were detected. Almost all of them had other structural abnormalities on USG. The chromosomal abnormalities was significantly related with CPCs when CPCs are large(>or=10mm), bilateral, and irregular shape.
CONCLUSION
The risk of chromosomal abnormalities is elevated when CPCs are associated with other structural abnormalities on USG. Therefore it is recommendable that the fetal chromosomal analysis to be performed, based on the presence of associated abnormal findings on USG, maternal age, and results of the double marker test.