ultrasound diagnosis of fatal anomalies

AGENESIS OF THE CORPUS CALLOSUM
Fig. 2.8 Central arachnoid cyst (arrow). Seen at
term, with consequent widening of both lateral ventricles.
References
Bannister CM, Russell SA, Rimmer S, Mowle DH. Fetal
arachnoid cysts: their site, progress, prognosis and
differential diagnosis. Eur J Pediatr Surg 1999; 9
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Blaicher W, Prayer D, Kuhle S, Deutinger J, Bernaschek G.
Combined prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance
imaging in two fetuses with suspected
arachnoid cysts. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2001;
18: 166–8.
Caldarelli M, Di Rocco C. Surgical options in the treatment
of interhemispheric arachnoid cysts. Surg Neurol
1996; 46: 212–21.
D’Addario V, Pinto V, Meo F, Resta M. The specificity of
ultrasound in the detection of fetal intracranial
tumors. J Perinat Med 1998; 26: 480–5.
Diakoumakis EE, Weinberg B, Mollin J. Prenatal sonographic
diagnosis of a suprasellar arachnoid cyst. J
Ultrasound Med 1986; 5: 529–30.
Elbers SE, Furness ME. Resolution of presumed
arachnoid cyst in utero [review]. Ultrasound Obstet
Gynecol 1999; 14: 353–5.
Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum
Definition: Complete or partial absence of the
corpus callosum, a bundle of white matter connecting
the cerebral hemispheres.
Incidence: One in 300–1500 births; however,
when other anomalies of the central nervous
system are present, it is detected in 50%. Mostly
asymptomatic.
Clinical history/genetics: Mostly sporadic; inherited
cases with autosomal-dominant, autosomal-recessive,
and X-linked transmission
have been reported.
Limacher F, Kaiser G, Da Silva V. Fetal intracranial invasive
cysts: diagnosis, procedure and therapy using
the example of a case report (arachnoid cyst). Geburtshilfe
Frauenheilkd 1984; 44: 444–50.
Meizner I, Barki Y, Tadmor R, Katz M. In utero ultrasonic
detection of fetal arachnoid cyst. JCU J Clin Ultrasound
1988; 16: 506–9.
Pilu G, Falco P, Perolo A, et al. Differential diagnosis and
outcome of fetal intracranial hypoechoic lesions: report
of 21 cases. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 1997; 9:
229–36.
Rafferty PG, Britton J, Penna L, Ville Y. Prenatal diagnosis
of a large fetal arachnoid cyst. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol
1998; 12: 358–61.
Revel MP, Pons JC, Lelaidier C, et al. Magnetic resonance
imaging of the fetus: a study of 20 cases performed
without curarization. Prenat Diagn 1993; 13: 775–
99.
Sandler MA, Madrazo BL, Riga PM, et al. Ultrasound case
of the day: bilateral arachnoid cysts, diagnosed in
utero. RadioGraphics 1988; 8: 358–61.
Teratogens: Alcohol, rubella infection.
Embryology: The corpus callosum develops between
11 and 16 gestational weeks. Failure of
development may be partial or complete.
Associated malformations: Hydrocephalus, microcephalus,
pachygyria, lissencephaly. Dandy–
Walker syndrome is the most frequently associated
anomaly. Anomalies of the kidneys,
heart, lungs, and diaphragm are frequently seen.
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