Prenatal Diagnosis of Moderate Unilateral Hydrocephalus Subsequently not Requiring Neonatal Decompression

David M. Sherer; Tamara A. Allen; Fabio Ghezzi; Leon G. Epstein

doi:10.1055/s-2007-994400

American Journal of Perinatology, Table of Contents

Am J Perinatol 1995; 12(1): 50-52
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994400

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Prenatal Diagnosis of Moderate Unilateral Hydrocephalus Subsequently not Requiring Neonatal Decompression

David M. Sherer, Tamara A. Allen, Fabio Ghezzi, Leon G. Epstein

Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Prenatal diagnosis of unilateral hydrocephalus is unusual. In the past most such cases have been treated with neonatal shunting procedures. We present an unusual case in which moderate unilateral hydrocephalus was diagnosed prenatally at 30 weeks' gestation. Despite prenatal and neonatal sonographic signs of both cortical thinning and mild displacement of midline intracranial structures, confirmed by computed tomography, neonatal shunting was not required. The findings and course in this unusual case suggest that infrequently some of the milder cases of idiopathic nonprogressive unilateral hydrocephalus discovered later in life may possibly represent late detection of this preexisting condition.

Keywords

Prenatal diagnosis - prenatal ultrasonography - unilateral hydrocephalus

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