Choroid plexus cyst (antenatal)

Changed by Yuranga Weerakkody, 21 Jun 2014

Updates to Article Attributes

Body was changed:

Choroid plexus cysts are benign and often transient cysts that typically results in-utero from an infolding of the neuroepithelium.  

They should not be confused with adult choroid plexus cysts (which are very commonly found at autopsy and likely degenerate), large intraventricular simple cysts (some of which arise from the choroid plexus) or choroid plexus xanthogranulomas 14

Epidemiology

Their estimated occurrence is 1% ( range 0.2-3.5%) of pregnancies 8-10

Pathology

The cysts have no epithelial lining, and as such these are not true cysts, but rather spaces within the choroid plexus filled with clear fluid (CSF) and cellular debris material. The size range can vary from a few millimeters to 1-2 centimeters in diameter.

Associations

There is a soft association with aneuploidy (therefore sometimes considered as a soft marker), however the vast majority of cases have no associated abnormality. Recognised associations however include :

  • trisomy 18 :
    • 1% if no other abnormality and around 4% if there are other anomalous features
    • the increased risk is essentially the same whether there is a single choroid plexus cyst or multiple cysts
    • choroid plexus cyst however may be seen in up to 50% of those with trisomy 18
  • Klinefelter syndrome
  • Aicardi syndrome 1
Location

Typically seen at the level of atria involving the lateral ventricles.

Radiographic features

Antenatal ultrasound

They are typically detected around the 2nd trimester and are seen as sonolucent cysts particularly about the lateral ventricles. The size and number of cysts are thought to affect the risk of aneuploidy by some authors 7. The wall may be echogenic (due to surrounding choroid plexus).

Complications

Significance

They generally disappear by 26-28 weeks in utero and are of no significance in most cases 1-2. However if one is seen in antenatal imaging it would warrant careful surveillance of the rest of the fetus due to weak associations with karyotypic abnormalities. Choroid plexus cysts are of concern if the cysts are large (> 1 cm) (controversial evidence), bilateral, and associated with structural abnormalities, when the maternal age is equal to or greater than 32 years, or if the maternal serum screening results are abnormal.

Prognosis

The cysts themselves resolve in the 3rd trimester and are generally not associated with abnormal CNS development. It is usually the associated conditions that are of concern.

See also

  • -<a href="/articles/obstructive_hydrocephalus">obstructive hydrocephalus</a>: rare but can happen if the cyst is large</li></ul><h4>Significance</h4><p>They generally disappear by 26-28 weeks in utero and are of no significance in most cases <sup>1-2</sup>. However if one is seen in antenatal imaging it would warrant careful surveillance of the rest of the fetus due to weak associations with karyotypic abnormalities. Choroid plexus cysts are of concern if the cysts are large (&gt; 1 cm) <sup>(controversial evidence)</sup>, bilateral, and associated with structural abnormalities, when the maternal age is equal to or greater than 32 years, or if the maternal <a href="/articles/antenatal-screening">serum screening</a> results are abnormal.</p><h4>Prognosis</h4><p>The cysts themselves resolve in the 3<sup>rd </sup>trimester and are generally not associated with abnormal CNS development. It is usually the associated conditions that are of concern.</p><h4>See also</h4><ul>
  • +<a href="/articles/obstructive-hydrocephalus">obstructive hydrocephalus</a>: rare but can happen if the cyst is large</li></ul><h4>Significance</h4><p>They generally disappear by 26-28 weeks in utero and are of no significance in most cases <sup>1-2</sup>. However if one is seen in antenatal imaging it would warrant careful surveillance of the rest of the fetus due to weak associations with karyotypic abnormalities. Choroid plexus cysts are of concern if the cysts are large (&gt; 1 cm) <sup>(controversial evidence)</sup>, bilateral, and associated with structural abnormalities, when the maternal age is equal to or greater than 32 years, or if the maternal <a href="/articles/antenatal-screening">serum screening</a> results are abnormal.</p><h4>Prognosis</h4><p>The cysts themselves resolve in the 3<sup>rd </sup>trimester and are generally not associated with abnormal CNS development. It is usually the associated conditions that are of concern.</p><h4>See also</h4><ul>
Images Changes:

Image 4 Ultrasound ( create )

Image 5 Ultrasound ( create )

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.