Fetal Neural Tube Pathology Flashcards
What does the ventricles contain?
4 connecting cavities within the cerebral hemispheres of the brain stem
The ventricles are continuous with what?
The spinal cord cavity
The Cavum septi pellucidi are located where in relation top the thalamus?
Anterior and slightly superior
What does the cavum septi pellucidi separate?
The anterior horns of the lateral ventricles
What is the CSF flow pattern?
- Lateral ventricles
- Interventricular foramen (Munro)
- 3rd ventricle
- Cerebral aqueduct
- 4th ventricle
- Two foramen, Magendie and Luschka
What does the cavum septi pellucidi visualization signify?
Normal development of the frontal midline
The cavum septi pellucidi is a important landmark for what measurements?
BPD where the cranium is measured
What is the criteria for ventricular measurement? 3
- Measure ventricle farthest from the transducer
- Measure at the level of the parietal occipital fissure
- Perpendicular to the cavity, inner to inner or “on to on”
Label the difference between the two
The left box is the CSP and the right box is the Fornix
What does the normal 3rd ventricle look like? And where is it located?
- Thin
- Located between the thalami and inferior to the corpus callosum
Where is the 4th ventricle located?
Anterior and inferior edge of the cerebellum
What is hydrocephalus?
Increase in CSF that results in enlargement of the ventricular system
Hydrocephalus is usually due to what? 2
Obstruction along the pathway of the CSF
- Intraventricular
- Extra ventricular
What is the most common cranial anomaly?
Hydrocephalus
What are causes of hydrocephalus? 2
- True hydrocephalus
- Ventricularmegaly
What is true hydrocephalus?
CSF obstruction
How would we get ventricularmegaly? 2
- Brain atrophy
- Small brain, ventricle have space to enlarge into
What are causes of true hydrocephalus? 3
- Neural tube defect
- Aqueduct stenosis
- Dandy walker malformation
What causes aqueduct stenosis? What does the lateral and 3rd ventricles look like? What about the 4th?
- CSF can not flow from 3rd ventricle to 4th
- Lateral and 3rd ventricle are enlarged
- 4th ventricle is normal
What causes intraventricular obstruction?
Aqueduct stenosis
What are some extra ventricular obstruction? 4
- Spina bifada
- Excess CSF
- Dandy walker malformation
- Sacral tumors
What is spinda bifida?
CSF can not flow normally through spinal canal and backs up in the ventricle of the brain
Which ventricles are affected by spina bifida?
All ventricles are affected
Excess secretion of CSF causing extraventricular obstruction comes from where?
Excessive section from a choroid plexus
How do we evaluate ventricular size?
Measure ventricular atrial diameter
Ventricular diameter does not change much from which dates?
15-35 weeks
What is the typical ventricle measurement ?
Around 7mm
What is the upper limit of normal for ventricular size?
10mm
What is the distance from medial ventricle wall to choroid?
<3mm
Additional anomalies occur in what percentage of cases of hydrocephalus?
70-80%
What are some things we see with posterior fossa views? 2
- Cisterna magna and cerebellum
- Skull deformities
What do we assess for in the cistern a magna and cerebellum? (What signs do we look for) 2
- Assess for obliterated cisterna magna, Cerebullum right up against the posterior skull
- Banana sign
What is dandy walker malformation? 2
A condition having
- Enlarged cisterna magna
- A defect in the cerebeller vermis
With DWM the cisterna magna communicates with the 4th ventricule how?
4th ventricle through the defect in the cerebellum
With DWM the ventricles may appear how?
Enlarge due to pressure in the posterior fossa
The DWM variant occurs when there is what?
Occurs when there is partial agenesis of the cerebella’s vermin’s, with smaller cisterna magna, and minimal dilation of the ventricles
Both DWM and DWM variant is associated with what?
Many syndromes
DWM is associated with what conditions? 6
- Agenesis of the corpus callosum
- Heart defects
- Genitourinary anomalies
- Polydactyly
- Intellectual impairment is common
- Fetal death is common
What risk factors increase the incidence of DWM? 3
- Maternal viral infection
- Alcohol consumption
- Diabetes
In terms of DWM, how big does the cisterna magna have to be to be abnormal?
> 1cm is abnormal
The cerebeller view of DWM must include what? 3
- Cavum septi pellucidi
- Peduncles
- Cerebellum
When assessing DWM what do we try to prove? 3
- Is the cisterna magna communicating with the 4th ventricle
- Is the cerebeller vermis absent or partially absent
- Are the ventricles enlarged?
What is the DDX for DWM? 2
- Arachnoid cyst in posterior fossa
fluid collections in the layers of the arachnoid membrane
These cysts can occur anywhere in the brain - Mega cisterna magna
What are Choroid plexus cysts?
Cysts in the choroid plexus
When does CPCs disappear?
2nd trimester
What is CPC associated with?
Trisomy 18
What is the variation of incidence with T18 for CPC?
1 in 200 CPCs are associated with trisomy 18
One cause for Dolichocephaly is what?
Breech baby
What is the calculation for Cephalic index?
BPD / OFD and should be <75
What are craniosynotoses?
Bizarre fusion of the cranial sutures
What does craniosynostoses look like? Why?
Cloverleaf - all sutures fuse before the brain is finished growing
If the view of the brain is especially clear, you should consider what? 2
- Conditions which have poor mineralization
- Also, can the brain be compressed with slight pressure?
In osteogenesis imperfect and hypophosphatasia, the cranial bones are what?
Not ossified and the brain can easily be compressed
What is a acrania? How many children are affected?
- Absent cranium
- 1/1000 births
What is anencephaly?
No cerebral cortex - absent or destroyed
What is exencephaly? 3
- Some cerebral cortex, but is abnormal
- Brain tissue exposed to amniotic fluid damages the brain tissue
- May be early stage of anencephaly
On ultrasound, what does anencephaly look like? 3
- The facial structures and orbits are present
- No skull above the orbits
- Frog look
When can anencephaly be diagnosed? (weeks)
12-13 weeks
What is the prognosis of anencephaly?
Fatal
What are some DDX for anencephaly? 2
- Amniotic band syndrome
- Large encephalocele
What do we look for with amniotic band syndrome? 3
- Look for other amputations
- Waving membrane
- Watch to see if fetus seems stuck to side wall
What would we look for with encephalocele?
Any sign of cranial bones
What is an encephalocele?
Herniation of intracranial structures through a defect in the cranium
What may encephaloceles contain? 2
- Only meninges
- Brain tissue also
Most encephaloceles occurs where?
In the midline of the occiput, but can occur anywhere.
If encephaloceles occur in the nasal area what might happen?
It might be difficult to see
What lab value is affected by encephaloceles?
AFP is increased
Can encephaloceles be isolated?
Yes
What is Meckel- Gruber syndrome? (how lethal and if it a dominant or recessive condition)
An autosomal recessive lethal condition
Encephalocele is often seen with what syndrome? What are signs? 3
Meckel- Bruner syndrome
Signs include
1. encephalocele
2. Cystic renal dysplasia
3. Polydactyly
What does this image demonstrate?
Meckel-Gruber syndrome
What is the sonographic appearance of encephalocele if only meninges protruding? 2
- Cystic structure with thin membrane
- Cranial defect present
What does encephaloceles look like if the brain is protruding? 2
- Encapsulated echogenic mass, with cystic areas
- Cranial defect Present
In terms of encephalocele, hydrocephalus occur due to what?
CSF blockage
What does this image demonstrate?
Encephalocele
What does this image demonstrate?
Encephalocele
What does this image demonstrate?
Large encephalocele
What is the DDX for a encephalocele? 2
- Cystic hygroma
- Teratoma
In terms of a cystic hygroma, what should we see in a encephalocele?
Should see septations in cystic area with hygromas
What does the prognosis for encephaloceles depend on? 3
Depends on
1. Size of the defect
2. Amount of the brain tissue involve d
3. Whether or not it is associated with Meckel-Bruner syndrome
What are arachnoid cysts?
Are fluid filled collections in the layers of the arachnoid membrane
Where can arachnoid cysts occur?
Anywhere in the cranium
Arachnoid cysts are associated with what?
Nothing
On u/s we see what in terms of arachnoid cysts? What might it demonstrate? 2
- Well defined cyst in brain
- May demonstrate mass affect
What does this demonstrate?
Arachnoid cyst
What is the DDX for arachnoid cysts? 2
- Dandy walker variant if in posterior fossa
- Porencephalic cysts
What is the prognosis for arachnoid cysts?
Is good as long as the cyst does not destroy too much brain tissue or block ventricles
When does porencephalic cysts occur?
When brain tissue is destroyed by hemorrhage or an infarct
What are some things we see with porencephalic cysts look on U/S? 3
- Destroyed brain tissue becomes cystic
- Periventricular halo (close to lateral ventricles)
- May or May to communicate with ventricles
What is the DDX for porencephalic cysts in a neonate? 3
- Dandywalker malformation
- Arachnoid cyst
- Hydrocephaly if it communicates
What is the prognosis for porencephalic cysts in a neonate?
Depends on the degree of brain destruction
What is hydranencephaly? What is still intact?
- Variable absence of cerebellum, or destruction of brain tissue
- Intact cranial vault and meninges
What is the most severe form of porencephalic?
Hydranencephaly
What causes hydranencephaly? 3
- Occlusion of ICA
- Infection or hemorrhage
- Destruction and resorption of brain matter
How common is hydranencephaly?
Rare
What does hydranencephaly look like sonographically? 3
- Intact thalami which are never fused and brain stem
- May or may not have intact Falx cerebri
- Irregular brain matter at periphery
What is the DDX for Hydranencephaly? 2
- Severe hydrocephalus (smooth along periphery of cranium)
- Alobar holoprosecencephaly (would have fused thalami)
Wha this the prognosis for Hydranencephaly?
Fatal
What is schizencephaly? 2
- Symmetrical clefts in the parietal or temporal lobes that extend from the ventricles to the cortical surface
- Brain is split into anterior and posterior segments of the brain
What is a lissencephaly? 2
- Smooth brain
- No sulcus or gyro due to abnormal migration of neurons from the germinal matrix
When can we do a DX for lissencephaly?
Not possible until 3rd trimester
What is Microcephaly?
Disproportionally small head compared to the gestation age and abdominal circumference
What would classify the head as below 5th%
> 3 standard deviations below the mean head
When would microscephaly be seen?
Late pregnancy
What does Microcephaly implies?
Failure of brain development
In terms of Microcephaly, ventriculomegaly occurs due to what?
Less brain tissue
The profile of Microcephaly demonstrates what?
Sloping forehead
What is Microcephaly associated with?
Many other developmental abnormalities
Microcephaly results from what? 5
- Asphyxia - low oxygen
- Infections
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Irradiation
The corpus callosum starts to develop at how many weeks? And is not complete until when?
- 12 weeks
- 20 weeks
What is the corpus callosum?
A bridge of white matter nerve fibres that connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres
How does the corpus callosum develop?
From anterior to posterior
Abscess of the corpus callosum may be complete or partial? Is it developmental or acquired?
- Complete or partial
- Developmental or acquired
What would development mean in terms of corpus callosum?
Interruption of formation
What does an acquired abscess mean in terms of corpus callosum?
Insults which cause secondary atrophy of previously devoted parts
Can agenesis of the corpus callosum be isolated?
Yes
What is agenesis of the corpus callosum often associated with? 2
Other CNS abnormalities such as
- Gerald dysplasia
- Dandy walker malformation
also associated with anomalies of the face limbs and genitourinary system
What does agenesis of corpus callosum look like sonographically? 2
- Absence of CSP is your first clue
- Colpocephaly
What is colpocephaly? 2
Lateral ventricles are teardrop shaped
1. Pointed anterior horns
2. Enlargement of the occipital horns only
If ACC is suspected what do we do? 2
- Profile image, try to image from the top of the head in the midline sagittal plane
- Try EV if fetal head is low in pelvis
Where does the Corpus callosum sit?
Superior to the cavum septi pellucidi
If ACC is suspected, and if the CSP is absent the 3rd vent will be what?
Elevated or high riding in the head
What is the prognosis of ACC? 2 (agenesis of the corpus callosum)
- If isolated and partial, it may not affect function at all
- Severity of decreased intellect depends on associated CNS abnormalities
What does TORCH stand for?
- Toxoplasmosis
- Rubella
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Herpes simplex virus
TORCH can cross the placenta and cause what? Followed by what? 3
Encephalitis followed by
1. Microcephaly
2. Ventriculomegaly
3. Calcifications
What is toxoplasmosis due to? 2
- Contact with raw meat
- Cats, especially kitty litter
CMV is common in what situations?
Large populations
Herpes can be transplacentally acquired but more commonly due to what?
Vaginal delivery with herpes infection
What is the sonographic appearance of TORCH? 6
- Look for signs of heart failure (enlarged heart)
- Pleural effusions
- Ascites
- Hepatosplenomegaly
- Hepatic calcifications
- Echogenic (calcified) Bowel
What is the vein of Galen aneurysm?
A variety of Arteriovenous (AV) malformations drain into the vein of Galen and result in its distension as a single dilated midline fluid collection
Vein of Galen aneurysm dilation does not occur until which trimester?
The 3rd trimester
What does the vein of Galen look like sonographically? How does the neck vessels appear? What does the heart show?
- Dilated midline collection posterior to the thalamus and mid brain, between the posterior horns of the lateral ventricles
- Neck vessels may appear prominent
- Signs of heart failure (cardiomyopathy due to shifting)
How can we easily DX Vein of Galen?
Colour doppler
What is the DDX for vein of Galen? 2
- Arachnoid cysts
- Porencephalic cyst
What is the prognosis of vein of Galen?
Poor unless all anastomoses can be cauterize
Congenital brain tumors are how common?
Rare
What is the most common lesion of the brain?
Teratoma
What are Teratomas?
Large echogenic masses with cystic spaces and occasional calcifications
What is the prognosis for tumours in the brain?
Dismal
What is holoprosencephaly? 2
- Severe abnormality of the forebrain cleavage (cerebrum or prosencephalon)
- Fusion of the cerebral hemispheres and thalami
What is holoprosencephaly associated with?
T13
What are the three classifications of holoprosencephaly?
- Lobar - mild
- Semilobar
- Alobar - severe
What is a lobar holoprosencepahly?
- Fused anterior horns that are squared off
- Incomplete Falx but 3rd ventricle may be seen
What is the semilobar version of holoprosencephaly? 2
- Single horseshoe shaped ventricle with brain mantle
- No 3rd ventricle of Falx
What is the Alobar version of Holoprosencephaly? 3
- Little or no corticosteroids mantle
- Single horseshoe shaped ventricle
- Fused thalami and no 3rd ventricle or Falx