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 - 82 days ago.
hi again... just thougt i'd update. I went to see my OB yesterday to get her opinion of all the exams these dr's want me to do... after my second opinion, that dr asked if i'd like to do the amnio, which I declined, because after a lot of thinking realized that no matter how much testing they do, baby girl will be delivered and have to be evaluated at birth. So yesterday I also decided to decline the fetal MRI. I think i'd rather not know anything until she's here. What your opinions? I read my second opinion dr's report, which stated she had 'unilateral right Ventriculomegaly, suspicious of intracranial hemorrhage (stroke) or developmental/ migrational defects'... her left ventricle measures 10mm, which he called 'high normal' and her right ventricle is at 19mm. His report also mentioned her femur length is below 10th percentile, her head circumference is 2 weeks ahead... but in the end he said her measurements are compatible with our due date... I don't get it... so i'm back at worrying. My OB told me yesterday she doesn't want me to go past 38 weeks, and will probably do a c-section because she doesn't want the baby to experience head trauma in the birth canal. So now we just will follow her by ultrasound, and keep the faith in what we cannot see...

montrealmama - 83 days ago.
Hi Everyone, I've been in touch with a few of you and unfortunately only today realized there was a specific VM forum. Just to update: at my 20 week U/S they found bilateral VM of 16 mm. I have my follow-up U/S tomorrow (I'll be 22 weeks) to recheck measurements. I'm an absolute nervous wreck. In the past 2 weeks, I've had an amnio, fetal echocardiogram, and blood tests for toxo and CVM. All those tests had normal results which means our is a case of 'isolated VM'. I've also had meetings with our genetics department and a pediatric neurosurgeon. I'm also scheduled for an MRI on Sept. 11th. But if they see any changes in the vent size or cortex thickness tomorrow, then we'll be better equipped to make our decision. To two-on-board: your remarks (2 hours ago) to Jennifer5 were very comforting to me. My heart is aching to think there's something abnormal with our baby and it's taking all my strength to put on a brave face in front of our other children. I know she's a strong baby because I can feel her kicking and moving around alot. I'm praying for and visualizing improved results for tomorrow's U/S.

two-on-board - 83 days ago.
Jennifer5 - I can only speak for myself, but I would say continue to use this forum if you find it helpful, although it is important what the results of the initial VM diagnosis is, it all started in the same way and that is why we understand each other. I think that whatever decision or pathway you choose to take, you will do it for the best for yourselves and your baby, nobody but you will know what is best. My heartbreaks for you, whatever your decision, it won't be taken lightly and it certainly won't be selfish. XXX

Liviesgram - 83 days ago.
Hi Jennifer 5 I am a grandmother of a beautiful 10 month old granddaughter who has down syndrome. At nine months old she was crawling and then going into a sitting position all by herself. She can say dada and baba and babbles all the time. She is the happiest baby. I know your concerns and how you feel right now and whatever you choose to do is your choice. I remember when my granddaughter was born and we were told she had down syndrome and the way I cried - now I don't know why I cried. She has touched my heart in a way I can't even explain. I will pray for you and your baby. You might find cafemom.com in the down syndrome group helpful. Liviesgram

jennifer5 - 83 days ago.
Hello everyone...I had my scan yesterday and the fluid went down to 10mm from 12mm!! That was a wonderful thing to see...All the measurements looked good of the head, legs, and arms. But then the doc and his little resident crew came in and started the 'tech talk' so now I can leave the VM board and our journey is taking me to the Trisomy 21 board:( My baby girl will need heart and intestinal surgery soon after birth. She has Ventricular Septal Defect, a possible Truncus Arteriosus, a sandle toe (gap between the big toe and second toe), and duodenal atresia (intestines did not properly develop) The fold in her neck was said to be enlarged...I think I'm kind of in shock. The Trisomy 21 forum isn't as positive or supportive as this forum. I guess there is not enough of us. I don't know what to do. Is it selfish for me to keep this child knowing her life will be so challenged? Would that really be fair? I want her and I don't want to terminate but I don't know if that is the right thing to do??? Does anyone here have any experience with Down Syndrome? I have another scan on the 17th with the ped cardiologist. Still praying for all of us...

Havingfaith - 87 days ago.
Thankyou for taking your time to reply to my question, im 28 weeks pregnant, will be having c-section at 39 weeks...11 weeks to go, im just worried his little vents will increse by the week, it's a lot to take in when you dont expect it. We havnt really been told anything except the more it increases the worse the prognosis...so its all down the waiting for the next scan 22nd september....Thankyou again! xXx

turtlemom - 87 days ago.
Parker would like to thank you all for the sweet birthday messages!!!

turtlemom - 87 days ago.
Hi Havingfaith, A shunt is permanent, but there is also a ETV procedure to treat certain forms Hydrocephalus. This is a not recommended for infants (in the US). The Hydrocephalus Association has the best information around (other than this forum) www.hydroassoc.org.

casey - 87 days ago.
my grandson was born 6 weeks before Turlemoms daughter and has a shunt...yes it is permanent. Many, many people with shunts live long productive lives. We were told my grandson would be severely disabled....he is physically behind on sitting and walking but crawls everywhere and at 13 months says about 5 words...mama, dada, nana, aball, mom and babbles constantly. Take life one day at a time....

nordic - 88 days ago.
Havingfaith, I'm not the expert on this (I am sure turtlemom knows a lot about this), but from what I read they can sometimes treat the cause of the hydro which means that no shunt is needed. If they can't treat the cause then i guess it is permanent, but a lot of people live normal lives with a shunt. Most likely your baby will not develop hydro, it only has mild vm. Try to stay positive, I know it is difficult, but you have our support.

Havingfaith - 88 days ago.
Could someone answer this question for me please?, i could google, but google has scared me witless in the past! If my baby needs a shunt when he is born, is it permanent? something he will have in for the rest of his life?

nordic - 88 days ago.
Hi up north I really admire your attitude. We were advised to see a neuro doc but that was very unproductive. Our boy had measurements of 12-13 mm and no other findings. He looked at the MRI and said that 'if i saw a scan like this of a newborn i would conclude he would be severly disabled'. I think he was comparing apples with oranges, since a fetus' brain is not yet fully formed and more brain tissue forms until birth (and after). That visit really put us down, but luckily we found better information with other doctors and on this forum, and when our boy was born he was perfectly fine. An MRI when he was 3 months showed a missing septum pellucidum, but doctor said this is a normal variant and doesn't need to have any effect as long as he is otherwise normal. Enjoy the rest of your pregancy :-)

TerryJ75 - 88 days ago.
Well we went in for another level 2 today I am 28 wks. The told us today that it looks like but they are not 100 percent certain but they think our little gilr has a partial agenesis of the corpus callosum. Not sure what that menas for her as I have no idea what that is and can't find alot about it online. Her vents are still satble at 12 she is now 2lbs 8 oz which rules out as of right now IUGR. So we are going back in 4 weeks instead of every 2 as the dr is ahppy that things r stable and feel that they wont change much. If any of you ladies know anything about ACC please could you leave me a message. AS now I am nervousa ll over gain not sure what it is or what it means for our baby. Again Thanks. And I will remain strong I have no choice.

up north - 88 days ago.
Hi went for an ultrasound today the one enlarged vent is now between 15-16 (she wouldn't tell me exactly). All other parts of the brain and tissue look fine. The docs took me into a room with the flowers and tissues and wanted to discuss 'what this could all mean'. I told them I knew exactly what it could all mean and I think they were a bit upset that I didnt have a breakdown of some kind. They went off and when they came back they told me they had arranged for a neuro doc to come and discuss what would happen when the baby is born. I told them I dont want to meet with the neuro doc. I am not in denial, I dont think,.. its just if it is isolated which it seems to be although progressive the outcome is wide ranging. If between now (34 weeks) and the end its stabilizes the baby might not need a shunt if it gets bigger maybe it will and we will just have to wait and see the outcome. Why spend from now till then second guessing? I have a two years old to look after, falling apart it not an option. I think the best course of action is to go for as few depressing unproductive hospital visits as I can get away with, put it out of my mind and get on with enjoying the good parts of my life as much as possible and at 39 weeks go give birth and deal with the outcome as a reality not as a host of what ifs.. ???

babygirlontheway - 88 days ago.
So I went for my second opinion today! And I feel much better--but we still know we are not out of the clear... The doctor was so nice, and really took his time and made me feel comfortable. His diagnosis was 'Ventriculomegaly'--never did he mention ACC! He actually said that her brain tissue looked ok and there were no signs of any calcifications... I mentioned to him that I know ventriculomegaly can be caused by 'missing brain structures' (i.e. the CC--which I didn't say because I wanted his unbiased opinion)... he said that on ultrasound today, he didn't see any signs of that going on--but that is why they are referring me for a fetal MRI next week, just to look closer at the structures... As far as the rest of her, he said she looked great! Aggghhh... what a relief! Last week I was told by the other doctor that she had clenched hands (significant for Trisomy 18 possibly), clubbed feet, and a small stomach. Her hands were open today, waving and playing with her fingers! He said her stomach was normal, and he will not diagnose clubbed feet because of her positioning (she's been sitting on her feet, breeched this whole time)! We were also told her growth is normal (which is reassuring)--except a femur length lagging about a week behind, which it always is... and he's not concerned. Oh, and by the way... I read the doctor's report from last week today (I stopped by OB/GYN and she showed it to me)--he stated 'Discussed and declined aminocentesis'...... excuse me? I believe I brought up the amino with him--and he thought I was crazy for wanting it... he said why do it... it was only going to change the 'psychological treatment' and he told me 'A baby is a baby, regardless'... aaagghhh he lied on the report! But thank you so much for your support and prayers... I continue to pray for all of us everyday... just keep the faith and hope---trust that the Lord will take care of you. Much Love... Liz

jess2008 - 89 days ago.
Happy Birthday Parker! From Jessica, Vick and Gage! Love you!

almostmommaof2 - 89 days ago.
Happy Birthday Parker! You and your daughter's story is what keeps me going everyday!

two-on-board - 89 days ago.
Turtlemom - WOW! Happy Birthday Parker! Who could have thought that time has passed so quickly, makes you realise you have to savour every moment! Babygirlontheway - Positive thoughts over seas from the UK, keep us informed, we are all here if you need us. XXX

BabygirlOnTheWay - 89 days ago.
turtlemom... happy birthday to Parker! how amazing... congrats to you for being such a wonderful mother! wishing you all a memorable day and many many more to come! we're still staying positive, as much as possible, considering all the pessimistic things the dr's say. we have our second opinion tomorrow, and i'm praying for the best. your story is truly a blessing... and keeps my hopes going.

turtlemom - 89 days ago.
It is Parker's 1st Birthday today. I'll admit that one year ago I could not imagine how well she would be doing. I believe that my daughter is nothing short of a miracle.

rachelgr - 91 days ago.
Hi im new to this site. i'm 36 and mother of a 2year old healty baby. I'M 22 weeks pregnant and 4 days ago i went for my 20 week ultrasound. I can't forget when they told me that there is a problem with the embryo. They found that the right vent of the brain of my baby is 10.1 and its possible to have problem. I' m very scared and i don't know what to do. The MRI was clear and confirmed just the 10.1. Tommorow i have my appointment for the amnio and i expect the reults from the blood test. I don' t khow what to do. I'm desperate. i don't understand why nobody of the doctors can't give me an answer of what does a borderline ventriculomegaly means.

Havingfaith - 91 days ago.
Hi all, im new to this forum but i wanted to share my story with you. 27th july i had a 23 weeks scan, i could see she was concentraing on the brain alot and her expressions looked confused...she then said she needed a 2nd opinion, well from then on we knew something was wrong, i just cried as i could here them both saying 'yeh that doesnt look like right, no we dont want to be seeing this' we were then told to come back in 3 days! we had no clue what the hell was happening. 3 days past and we had a detailed scan..after half hour we were sent into a little room with tissues and flowers. She came in sat down and reeled off a list of problems. 'your baby has agenisis of the corpus collasum', his ventricles are enlarged, he has skin oedema, and he has something else missing 'sorry i cant think of the name, he also has short limbs...this was alot for us to take in..she told us it looks like our baby would be severly dissabled, have downs, edward or patue syndrome...but becaus i was nearly 24 weeks it would be against the law to terminate, and the decision would be up to an ethics commitee. we were offerd an amnio test and an mri scan. We agreed with the amnio and that 2 weeks wait for the results were hell for us both, we couldnt eat or sleep we just cried! We went back on the 11th august, and had another detailed scan, then sent back intothat room with flowers and tissues.She sat down and we couldnt believe our ears 'the mri scan has picked up eveything, he does have his CC, his skin oedema is fine, and the amnio results came back fine to! Also my viral tests! He still has mild ventriculomegal 13-14mm..but this is nothing compared to what we were told before, we feel so blessed and lucky. His limbs are still measuring 3 weeks behind but this doesnt worry us. He needs to be kept n eye on with regular scans. but im so glad the story kinda turned itself around..it prooves just how wrong they can be!!!

MarieG - 91 days ago.
I too totally agree with turtlemom re the amount of people who may have terminated due to poor advice. I myself was told by the Doc who did my 20-week scan that I had to think about termination if the vents got bigger (they were 10-11 mm by then) and then at the repeat scan when he thought I had other parts of the brain missing he strongly advised me to do it. To be honest, I was under such mental anguish at this stage that I probably would have taken his advice had not my own doctor told me to take a breath and get a second opinion. I went to the Fetal Medical Specialist with little hope and I thought it would just be a case of him just confirming it. Luckily for me this guy was great and he told me that enlarged/ dilated ventricles was manageable, that the clinics where full of kids having their ventricles checked post birth and that enlarged vents was not a reason to terminate a pregnancy. I dread to think what I would have done if I had not seen him. I too am pretty sure that a lot of women with these problems, with an ill informed doctor and no support network (like this site) may have made a decision that was unnecessary. As my Doc recently told me, no ones perfect and if we all had a head to toe scan today we would find something amiss that we would never have known about.

casey - 91 days ago.
I completely agree with Turtlemom....

turtlemom - 92 days ago.
I think we get really caught up in vent measurements themselves, even though we should really be looking whether or not the measurements increase. VM only turns into Hydrocephalus when the fluid keeps increasing. A stable vent measurement is a very good thing (even if it is stable at 16mm). Modern technology has given my daughter hope. But, it can also be a vechicle for much undue angst. Most of the mild cases on this board turn out absolutely fine. And, I am totally convinced there have been perfectly healthy babies terminated because of the ignorance of the medical field. Good luck to all the mommies out there. No matter the outcome, they are all blessings. (And, if Hydro is the outcome, it isn't the end of the world. 1/500 people are affected by this condition).