What is fetal bilateral choroid plexus cyst?

Choroid plexus cyst refers to small cysts with a diameter of ≥3 mm in the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle that are found during fetal ultrasound examination at 14 to 24 weeks of gestation. How is a choroid plexus cyst defined?

Choroid plexus cyst definition:

Choroid plexus cysts refer to small, scattered cysts with a diameter of ≥3 mm found during ultrasound examination of the choroid plexus in the developing lateral ventricles of the fetus at 14-24 weeks of gestation. More than 90% of fetal choroid plexus cysts disappear after 26 weeks of gestation, and only a few show progressive enlargement. When a choroid plexus cyst is detected, amniocentesis for amniotic fluid cell culture or umbilical cord blood culture should be performed in combination with other clinical data to exclude chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 18 and trisomy 21. Choroid plexus cysts may also occur in normal fetuses, but most of them disappear after 26 weeks. If it does not disappear after 26 weeks and is bilateral, a brain examination and a chromosome examination of the umbilical cord blood cells should be done after the baby is born. If it can disappear, there will be no compression and increased brain pressure, and the intelligence or other aspects after birth will not be affected by "bilateral choroid plexus cysts".

Ultrasound diagnosis:

Choroid plexus cysts can be detected by ultrasound after 10 weeks of pregnancy. Attention should be paid to tracking and observing its development and changes, and ultrasound examination should pay attention to possible structural abnormalities in other parts.

1. Cystic dark areas are seen within the strong echoes of the pulsating plexus. The cystic walls are thin, the edges are smooth and neat, and most of them are round. Cysts can be single or multiple.

2. Dynamically observe the size of the cyst. If the cyst is less than 1CM or getting smaller, the possibility of chromosomal abnormality is small. At the same time, pay attention to check whether there are new deformities in other parts. Sometimes after the choroid plexus cyst is detected by ultrasound, other deformities cannot be detected. However, some scholars believe that the size, number, bilaterality or unilaterality, and whether the choroid plexus cyst is progressively reduced or disappears will not change the risk of the fetus suffering from chromosomal abnormalities. When a choroid plexus cyst is detected, amniocentesis for amniotic fluid cells or umbilical cord blood culture should be performed in combination with other clinical data to rule out chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 18 and trisomy 21.