Purpose: To assess the gestational course and postnatal outcome of antenatally diagnosed choroid plexus cysts.
Methods: From January 2015 to October 2017, mothers carrying foetuses with choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) were followed up prospectively till delivery, and subsequent postnatal assessment of all the babies was done. Progress of the lesions was monitored during pregnancy with ultrasound (USG) scans and postnatally analysed with clinical assessment and USG examination of the cranium.
Results: A total of 67 mothers of antenatally diagnosed CPCs were referred to the Paediatric Surgery Unit for opinion. Mean gestational age at the time of diagnosis was 19 ± 2.1 weeks (17-28 weeks) while mean age of the mothers at the time of referral was 26 ± 3.3 years (19-35 years). Sixty four mothers have undergone repeat antenatal scans after the diagnosis, and the CPCs disappeared completely in 60 (93.8%) of them. The CPCs persisted but reduced in size in 2 (4.1%), and the other 2 have been lost to follow-up. Thirty eight patients (56.7%) have unilateral CPCs. Mean size of cysts is 6.08 ± 3.0 mm (2.4‑14.8 mm). One foetus, in which the CPC disappeared antenatally, developed it again on the postnatal scans, but is doing well on follow-up. Thirteen babies (19.4%) have other associated congenital malformations as well.
Conclusions: CPCs may involve one or both ventricles and disappear in approximately 95% of the cases, mostly within 2 months from the diagnosis. The size of the cyst has no relation to its rate of disappearance. Postnatal persistence of CPCs is uncommon and the neurological sequel is unlikely; hence, prospective parents should be reassured accordingly.
Keywords: Antenatal diagnosis; Choroid plexus cysts; Developmental outcome.