Ventriculomegaly

How can ventriculomegaly affect my child?

Ventriculomegaly

The ventricular system contains sac-like pockets that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid. When the ventricular system of the brain is enlarged, it is known as ventriculomegaly. The lateral ventricles of the brain are less than 10 mm wide in a healthy fetus. However, a fetus that suffers from ventriculomegaly has lateral ventricles measuring 10-15 mm wide. Sometimes they are even larger, in which the case is severe. Luckily, ventriculomegaly is not linked to other health conditions in most cases. Severe cases of ventriculomegaly can result in hydrocephalus, also known as water on the brain. In hydrocephalus cases, the cerebrospinal fluid builds up and puts pressure on the brain.

There are three major causes of ventriculomegaly. Improper brain development, destroyed brain tissue and insufficient absorption of cerebrospinal fluid are all factors that can make the ventricles in the brain larger. Sometimes chromosomal problems can cause ventriculomegaly.

Ventriculomegaly affects approximately 1 out of 1,000 live births and is normally nothing that the mother has done. The condition can be diagnosed before or after birth. Ventriculomegaly can be detected on ultrasound by the second trimester. An MRI can also be helpful in diagnosing the condition. A chromosomal analysis can be used to test for chromosomal problems that can cause the condition.

The only time that ventriculomegaly needs to be treated is when there is water on the brain. Even if there is no water on the brain, regular exams should be done to monitor the condition. Once the baby has been born, doctors will do exams and measure the head circumference to make sure the baby is healthy. Usually, ventriculomegaly will resolve on its own and there are no neurological or developmental problems. As long as there are no other health conditions or chromosomal abnormalities present, the long-term prognosis for a child born with mild to moderate ventriculomegaly is great.

Comments: Ventriculomegaly

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BabygirlOnTheWay - 98 days ago.
Hi all... I just want to thank everyone for helping me stay positive and for sharing your lives with me... tomorrow I will have an update, as it is our first appointment with the specialist. I've been praying all week and I just hope I can handle whatever comes my way... thank you again, and I will report back soon. You all are in my prayers!

Jennifer5 - 98 days ago.
Hi Mommies/Daddy's or Mommies/Daddy's to be...I'm new to the board. I've been terrified and deeply saddened by my last u/s results and this was the first place I found anything positive!! I am 36 and this will be my 5th baby-due 19 January:) My children are 17/G-15/B-14/G-and 9/B! I've been blessed:) The u/s at 17 weeks indicated a white(bright)spot on the heart which is said to be a soft marker for DS. Also indicated the ventricles measuring at 12mm. I started researching and scaring myself even more. I have had a horrible year and the bad news keeps rolling in. My next u/s isn't until 31 August and time is moving slow as ever as I'm sure it has for many before me and will for many after. I'm looking for a glimmer of hope I guess. The docs want me to get the amni done and I'm scared to do that too., I'm praying for all of us:)

hedgebaby - 99 days ago.
Hey that's fab news joceejo - we also received that news last week - it's amazing isn't it? I wish you a healthy and happy pregnancy from now on. Big hugs x

joceejo - 99 days ago.
Hello Everyone, I wanted to share the good news that I heard today .. i finally had a level II u/s and I was told my baby's vents are measuring within the normal range ! Im so happy and relieved to hear this. I just didnt ask if this is something that may appear before birth ? Im not sure ...but I really appreciate the great support from the moms on this site> THANK YOU very much for the support and comforting comments.

TerryJ75 - 100 days ago.
An update from me. We had a level 2 u/s on friday and they said the ventricles are 11.5 on both sides down a little from last time. No other abnormalties found. Our baby girl only weighs 1lb 13 oz which kind of worries me. But my dr's say not to worry. We are still measuring about 6 days behind. That is still worrying me but I am just trying to stay positive. So now I am about 26 weeks 4days right now. SO only 15 weeks to go. Will keep hope that the vents stay the same and baby girl grows and gains alot more weight between now and then. Thanks for the encouragement ladies. It helps more then you will ever know.

Coronation Street - 103 days ago.
Yes, we should try to get the older posts up. Do we still have a moderator for this forum? Before I had Henry I saw a pediatrician, she said VM and club foot are not related but that Hypospadias and club foot are related. I'm beginning to wonder how accurate ultrasounds really are, they seem to find a host of inaccuracies and things that aren't even there.

nordic - 103 days ago.
Hi BabygirlOntheway There have been at least one other mum on the forum where the baby had vm and a club foot, and they were NOT related. The club foot was corrected afterwards and the baby was fine. Not sure if the old posts are still there, we really should get the moderator to add the old posts, they are so valuable as there are so many different cases out there. Stay positive

turtlemom - 103 days ago.
Joceejo, I am a big believer in Mommy Intuition. In our case, it has been correct EVERY time! Go with your instincts. Your little one is fine.

joceejo - 103 days ago.
Well today I FINALLY recieved autho to get a level II u/s to determine where we are as LV / RV or hopefully not anything else>Our last reading was 12&13mm in early July So all the feelings that I chased away with me 'not knowing' our real situation and staying postive are back !! We go on Monday and I wish I could be there now ..just eliminate the days of my worrie of the my unkown> I have a feeling we are fine, but I dont cant determine whether its mother instinct or hope? So keep us in your positive energy for a good visit on Monday !

almostmommaof2 - 103 days ago.
Thank you to all the moms on here. You all are what has gotten me through the last four weeks. We went in for my 28 week appointment today and got some really good news. The vents have gone up a little however the rest of the brain looks normal even the cerebellum which was a reason they offered termination. The perinatologist said that it is a moderate case and she believes it to be an isolated case with the ventricles. The rest of her is perfect.. She is almost 3 pounds already and they did an echo which was perfect. Her head was measuring a week ahead but I am not that worried about that since my sons head was in the 97th percentile. This has been such an up and down rollercoaster of emotions and I can't thank everyone enough for such kind words and all the hope. I can't wait to meet her. Take care everyone and I will continue to pray for each and everyone of you. And remember to stay positive.

mrskudla - 103 days ago.
BabyGirlOnTheWay, Hi. I (and, I'm sure, all of us), know exactly how you're feeling. I go to the perinatologist every month, for follow-up ultrasounds. Our boy was diagnosed w/mild VM @ 19 weeks (in May and so far the dr tells us the vents have remained stable. Still, this is a nerve-wracking experience and I feel physically and emotionally wrecked before each appt (I can't help it, that's just my personality.) Try to stay positive and focus on the tremendous likelihood that your daughter is going to be fine. Take care, Melissa

BabygirlOnTheWay - 103 days ago.
Hi, I'm new to this website and forum. I am so glad I found it. I've been so busy trying to look things up on the internet, and came across this forum that way. I just had a 28 week sono done on Monday... the sonographer (who trusted that I would not worry, because I'm a physician assistant graduate and should understand that things aren't always the way they seem...) told me that babygirl's ventricles were dilated. Her right ventricle is the largest, measuring at 15.1mm. According to the sonographer her spine is perfect (so I ruled out spina bifida)... however, she spent so much time on her feet!!! She said her foot looked 'possibly clubbed'... I didn't understand that, because that can't really be diagnosed on ultrasound... and plus her position is always her sitting on her feet, indian style. I saw my physician on Tuesday, who told me I would be followed by a maternal/fetal specialist starting next Wednesday. I'm so worried! And this week has been a wreck, because I have to still wait to this new doctor... I went from being told my baby was 'perfect' at 20 weeks, to there are 'slight abnormalities' now... not a good thing for any mother to hear! And this is mine and my husband's first... I'm so glad to hear all the wonderful stories you all have shared... it really lifts my faith and spirits! Thank you.

jess2008 - 104 days ago.
Thanks Amy, Sweet Parker, Triciah and Little Ryan! It's about time we got some positive stuff going on. Hopefully we can get to Duke for the infusion once he is off the vent. Only time will tell. I spent a wonderful day with Gage .today. His Caring Bridge site has been updated also for those who want to read his story. His outcome is not typical of the children here with vm. His vm is there due to missing brain structure. He also has ACC and other anomalies. Gage's web address is: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gagethomasdreesen Love to all! Nana V

oksmom - 104 days ago.
Hello. I'm really glad to have found this message board. Here's my story...I have a healthy almost 4 year old son. (Don't know his fetal ventricle measurements.) Last October I was pregnant with another boy. Our 20 week US showed ventricles measuring 9 and 10mm. Several weeks later we had all the usual testing--level 2 US, amnio, lab work for infections, and fetal MRI. The MRI found serious problems with our baby's brain structure, in addition to ventriculomegaly. Sadly, we lost our little boy at 24 weeks. I am now 24 weeks pregnant with another boy. Early on in the pregnancty I had a normal CVS. Our 18 week US showed ventricles measuring 7 and 8mm. Last week, at 23 weeks, I had a fetal MRI. Fortunately the brain structure is fine, but the ventricles measured 7.4 on one side and between 9.4 and 10.5 on the other. I am now holding my breath until my second MRI and another level 2 US in four weeks. I am also waiting to hear back about my blood work for cytomegalovirus. (Fortunately I'm negative for toxoplasmosis.) Anyway, I'm curious if any of you old timers can recall a person having more than one baby with ventriculomegaly. I'm hoping that perhaps I just have boys with larger than average ventricles, but who knows...

turtlemom - 104 days ago.
WAY TO GO, BABY GAGEY!!!! Vicki and Jessica, Parker and I are sooooo excited for your family. This is such good news!!!!!

hedgebaby - 105 days ago.
Hi all, I just thought I'd update you with my news. I had the 20 weeks scan 3 weeks ago and was told my baby had mild unilateral ventriculomegaly - was measuring 11mm on one side only. Follow up scan confirmed this and I then had the blood test and amnio but declined the MRI. Anyway - I've now had my early amnio results and they are fine (phew - massive relief) and also my blood viral results and they are fine too. I had a further scan this morning - 3 weeks after the initial one and vents are now measuring within NORMAL limits!!!!! I can't believe it - the consultant said that if they'd measured this at my 20wk scan then they wouldn't have even said anything - said I don't need to be scanned again so am free to carry on this pregnancy as normal. I can't believe it and I'm over the moon. The only thing I changed was my vitamins, tried to eat more fish and started taking a pregnancy DHA daily - not sure if it made the difference but I'm not going to stop now. So to those of you recently diagnosed - hang in there. It's not always bad news. The consultant said that's the thing with scans - it's difficult to diagnose a real problem which is why they err on the side of caution. He also said that to see unilateral was rare but that the outcome was usually very good, especially in boys and that they don't worry so much with them. Good luck to everyone else going through this - I wouldn't wish the worry and strain on anyone......

MarieG - 105 days ago.
Linnyc1981, your Doc is talking absolute rubbish and if that was my Doc I would be having serious reservations about him. My sons vents went up to RV 19mm and LV 10.6mm by the time he was born and he was brought out 3 weeks early as my Doc said lets get him out and see what's going on. At no time did he say that my son was going to have a problem. All I was ever told was that if they carried on growing and they put pressure on his brain he MAY need a shunt. No one every scare mongered me over my son and I live in Singapore where they scare you over anything and everything. Your Doc may have qualifications but he/ she is ill informed. From what I have learnt 10-11mm is borderline-borderline and not even an issue. In fact, I think I am more of an expert on this subject than a Doc having been on this board for a while. I am really sorry that your Doc has scared you like this and I hope the next couple of weeks pass quickly because unfortunately you will only relax once your baby arrives and I am pretty sure this nightmare will over the minute a Pediatrician has looked at him/ her. I went back to see a Pediatric Neurosurgeon last week and he scanned my sons whole head and said that his RV was slightly bigger than the left one, but not something I should worry about. He told me that 'sometimes this happens when a baby is born and then it goes down or grows in proportion with the head'. He really wasn't bothered. In fact one thing I've learnt is that after a baby is born they can tell if it is OK just by looking at it's head. For example my Doc took one look at him before we went for the scan and said that he looked fine as his head was the right size and shape and the fontanelle was soft and just looking at his reactions and the things he could do (looking at me, moving his head, smiling) told him that nothing was interfering with his brain. Anyway, I'm really sorry you are going through this. I do know how you feel as 5 weeks ago I was going through the same thing. Now I am calm, happy and enjoying my new baby. Pretty soon you will be doing the same thing, I promise.

jess2008 - 105 days ago.
Some great news for Baby Gage! He had a sleep study on Aug, 5th and he did so well off of the ventilator while sleeping, he is now off of it completely during the day and if his labs look good next week at the pulmonary appt. they will begin weaning him off it at night! So after a rough year, some things are getting better. Good luck to all you mom's on this board. No matter the outcome you will love your babies so much!

kaira - 105 days ago.
Hey linnyc, I just read your recent posts. Honestly, don't worry about what they say until you have prove from your baby's US that something is really not right. I was told from this Dr. Bonnie (dont remember her last name) that my baby has hydracephalus at 19 weeks gestation. I said to her, but her vents are only 11mm, and she confirmed, in my face, 'no, this is definitely hydracephalus!' I was so crushed, not knowing anything but that term and having thoughts of her dealing with all sorts of problems, I cried and cried while she finished the last bit of the US. Today, at my 21 weeks gestation, I went back for another US, and guess what! I got another doctor, he's the best radiologist from the hospital, Dr. Toi, he sat down and right away, he told me, 'your baby has a cavum...' I was like, 'what!' I had at least 3 doctors and 3 technicians scanned the brain numerous times, and they said she is missing the cavum, and possibly has ACC - agenesis of the corpus callosum. Now he just sat down for 1 minute and can tell me otherwise, I felt like in cloud 9! After his diagnosis, he told me it was still difficult to see the baby's brain due to the position she was in, so we did a transvaginal US. This time around he found the corpus callosum, though it's hard to see, but none of less he gave me a measurement - 18mm, which is normal at her gestational age. Everything seems normal! Even her vents came down from 11mm to 9.6mm ... the same time that Dr. Bonnie was in the room with us, and the only thing she could do and was doing is smiling and feeling embarrassed... trust me, these doctors really aren't 100% sure sometimes, and for them to tell you that your baby might be 'still birth', I think it's very irresponsible of them, and for me, I would totally argue with them, 'with what ground do you suggest that to me?' You know, just bc you are having a baby that's 9.2 lbs, and believe me, those measurements can be off as well. My son was born 9 lbs! and he was a perfect angel. I am going back for another US in one week to confirm the results, and I know how you feel, even though I am getting good results now, I still feel like I have to be so careful, and hope for the best, until they are out! But my advice is this, doctors are not always right, and for some that just seem so 'cold'... you should really ignore them. Either way, your baby is coming out in a few days, try to make your last bit of your preggo life and the baby a memorable one. I will pray for you, and believe me, God answers prayers:)

linnyc1981 - 105 days ago.
thankyou all for your support, with lots of cuddles from my husband and lots of reassuring thoughts i feel better today. 9 days to go!

joceejo - 105 days ago.
LinnyC, Im sure its the most difficult for you to stay positive..especially with the doctors have told you. I think thats so cruel & heartless. I too am in the same situation only I dont really know my situation because my insurance has denied further test and my doctors arent doing much. Im left in the dark and as always I think of the worst case scenerios and started to become my own nightmare.. Stay positive for you & your family! I will also keep you in positive energy , and prayers for a good outcome. I have read good stories on this where babies have proven doctors wrong ...and Im sure ours will too ! We are here to help, educate and support one another...Im being educated here ! :)

ashleypireaux - 105 days ago.
LINNYC! I agree with turtlemom, that doctor is a quak!!! your baby will NOT be stillbirth!!!! I have no clue what is wrong with people these days. If you read everyones stories yes you should have hope!!! Also, I don't think any of us were told our babies would die! It goes to show there are way too many doctors in this world who think that they 'know everything'!!! This makes me so mad for you. Try to be optimistic until your baby comes, you don't want the baby to feel your nerves!!! I'm sure you will be fine, and you will love your baby no matter what. I was in such a slump 2 weeks ago when I found out what was wrong with our son. I was so mad at my husband for being optimistic. But now I realize i'm not solving anything until I know for sure when I see him. TURTLEMOM, and TWO-ON-BOARD, also STELLA-LUV HAVE SOME WONDERFUL STORIES WHICH HAVE GIVEN ME HOPE. Ashley

casey - 105 days ago.
I totally agree with Turtlemom....these dr's are guessing and making some horrible guesses! My daughter's case and Turtlemom's were 2 of the more difficult cases (with hydrocephalus) and my grandson and Turtlemom's daughter are incredibly beautiful and normal.

turtlemom - 105 days ago.
Hi LinnyC, That 'doctor' is a complete QUACK!!! Obviously that OB does not know what he/she is talking about. Your baby will be absolutely fine. Trust me!!!!

linnyc1981 - 106 days ago.
i am so cranky, that i can let one persons comments make me go back to feeling like things are really bad!!! it is amazing how one persons words can completely cloud the excitement of us having our bub in 10 days time :(