Ventriculomegaly - Causes and Signs of Ventriculomegaly

The structure of the lateral ventricles is complex. As the embryo grows, they change greatly. To correctly assess the sizes of the various sections, there are special tables. The disease can be detected when the lateral parts are more than 10 millimeters. If their width is 10-15 mm, we are talking about a borderline form. Of course, with the expansion of the organs, there is a huge risk of developing CNS anomalies in the baby.

Depending on the severity, there are three main types:

• Severe - it is characterized by a significant enlargement of the cerebellar parts of the newborn in combination with another pathology.
• Average - the increase reaches a certain level - up to 15 mm, you can also detect changes in the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid.
• Mild - it corresponds to minor damage.

Depending on which sides exactly are increasing, the following types of the disease are distinguished:

• Lateral - the posterior and left ventricles become larger.
• The third type - the area between the frontal anterior part and the thalamus is swollen.
• The fourth - the area of the medulla oblongata and cerebellum evolves.

Causes

The main conditions of the malaise are chromosomal abnormalities, observed in 17-20% of women during pregnancy. This disease is provoked by infections, physical injuries, hemorrhage. Other developmental defects can also aggravate the disease.

The deviation can be isolated, or it can be a consequence of a defect associated with other forms of development. In the fetus, the size of this organ swells to 12-20 millimeters.

If over time the nerve sacs become larger, then the risk of hydrocephalus cannot be ruled out.

Symptoms

In the unborn child, the disease can be provoked by Down, Edwards or Turner syndromes. The malaise most strongly affects changes in the structure of the heart, brain and musculoskeletal system. The deviation can be clearly seen using an ultrasound examination at 20-23 weeks of gestation. The defect can be recorded at the beginning of the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The best period for detection is 25-26 weeks. If this phenomenon is the only pathology, then the probability that severe chromosomal consequences may occur is quite low. A geneticist determines the existing risk of complications in the baby depending on how much the width of the forming sacs has increased.

Medical studies have established that there is a high risk of developing a deficiency in pregnant women after 35 years of age (the incidence rate fluctuates between 0.5-0.7%), while in young mothers it is reduced.

Diagnostics

Ventriculomegaly can be detected from 17 to 33 weeks using methods such as ultrasound and spectral karyotyping. During perinatal examination, it is imperative to carefully study all anatomical structures. A transverse scan of the head and further determination of the sizes of the outer sides will help to establish an accurate diagnosis. The phenomenon can be discussed when the organs are larger than 10 mm.

Treatment

The main goal of therapy in a newborn is to prevent the development of its consequences: severe diseases of the central nervous system. A neurologist and pediatrician prescribe medications such as antihypoxants, diuretics and vitamins. In addition, children are prescribed massage and physiotherapy (static exercises with a load on the pelvic floor and pelvic muscles). To prevent the development of neurological defects, drugs are prescribed that help retain potassium in the body.

Prevention

Prevention of malaise consists of proper pregnancy planning. Thus, women are recommended:

• medical and genetic counseling;
• taking folic acid (for women of reproductive age);
• prevention of chronic diseases.