Mild ventriculomegaly, in which fetal cerebral ventricles measure 10–15 mm, usually involves normal variants, especially when the ventricles are in the smaller end of that range. Rare cases may represent obstructive hydrocephalus or be markers for other underlying CNS pathology.
Order a level II ultrasound and get a fetal MRI, which can clearly show developments of the fetal brain and CNS findings not seen on ultrasound. “We do order MRI, although the precise utility of that, I would acknowledge, is still under investigation,” Dr. Norton said.
Because ventriculomegaly is associated with chromosomal abnormalities or infectious disease in a small number of cases, she offers amniocentesis for karyotyping and testing for cytomegalovirus and possibly toxoplasmosis.
Dr. Norton said that she has no conflicts of interest related to her presentation.