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Isolated Upward Rotation of the Fetal Cerebellar Vermis (Blake's Pouch Cyst) Is a Normal Variant: An Analysis of 111 Cases.
- Source :
-
Fetal diagnosis and therapy [Fetal Diagn Ther] 2021; Vol. 48 (6), pp. 485-492. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Jun 28. - Publication Year :
- 2021
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Abstract
- Introduction: The objective of the study was to provide more detailed data about fetal isolated upward rotation of the cerebellar vermis rotation (Blake's pouch cyst) in particular regarding pregnancy outcome.<br />Methods: This is a retrospective study of all cases of fetal isolated upward rotation of the cerebellar vermis (URCV) diagnosed in 3 referral centers in Italy from January 2009 to November 2019. Whenever possible, prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed and a fetal karyotype was obtained. A detailed follow-up was obtained by consultation of medical records, interview with the parents, and the pediatricians.<br />Results: Our study population included 111 patients with a prenatal diagnosis of isolated URCV made at a median gestational age of 21 weeks +3 days (interquartile range (IQR) 21 + 0-22 + 2). The median brain stem-vermis (BV) angle was 27° (IQR 24-29°). In 37.9% of the cases, a regression of the finding with restoration of normal anatomy was noted at a follow-up scan or at postnatal checks. A BV angle of 25° or less predicted regression with a probability in excess of 90%. MRI was performed in utero or at birth in 101 patients and always confirmed sonographic diagnosis. Fetal CGH array and/or karyotype was available in 97 cases and was always normal, but in 1 case. A postnatal follow-up was available in 102 infants (mean 7 months, range 0-10 years of age) and documented a normal neurologic development in all the cases.<br />Conclusions: Isolated URCV is most likely a normal variant of fetal anatomy without clinical consequences, at least at an early follow-up. A BV angle of 25° or less predicts intrauterine regression of the finding, but the outcome is good in all the cases. When a confident sonographic diagnosis is made, MRI is not mandatory. The risk of a chromosomal anomaly in these cases is probably low.<br /> (© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1421-9964
- Volume :
- 48
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Fetal diagnosis and therapy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 34182549
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1159/000516807