Anterior extension of the choroid plexus into the frontal horns of the fetal lateral cerebral ventricles: Prenatal findings and postnatal outcome

Objective: To evaluate the short- and long-term outcome of fetuses with evidence of extension of the choroid plexus into the frontal horns.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of fetuses diagnosed with isolated choroid plexi extending into the frontal horns. Fetuses with major central nervous system anomalies were excluded. Ultrasound and fetal/postnatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were evaluated. Postnatal outcomes, including developmental assessment, were obtained.

Results: Twenty nine fetuses were diagnosed with choroid plexus extension (22 unilateral and 7 bilateral). Gestational age at diagnosis was 19.3 weeks. Three cases (10.3%) presented with nonspecific extra-CNS findings. At presentation, 8/29 (28%) cases had single/multiple choroid plexus cysts (CPC). Twenty-six (89.6%) cases underwent antenatal MRI. On MRI, four cases had punctate susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) foci suggesting trace hemosiderin and two cases had ventriculomegaly. Antenatal follow-up demonstrated resolution of the choroid plexus extension in 90% (18/20). Gestational age at delivery was 39.6 weeks. All had normal neurologic examinations within 24 h of life. Postnatal MRI studies were notable for deep venous differences in seven cases. Long-term clinical outcome was assessed in 14 cases with a median follow-up of 1.75 years, with normal neurodevelopment reported in 13/14 (92.8%).

Conclusions: Most fetuses with an anterior extension of the choroid plexus as the sole sonographic finding had favorable outcomes.