Comparison of normal cerebral sulcal development between ventriculomegaly detected(Studied with MRI) fetuses and the normal subjects and detection by MRI of the possible retardation of fetal brain development caused by ventriculomegaly

Introduction and Aim:Fetal brain development takes place in three phases consisting of cell proliferation, neuronal migration and cortical organization. Sulcation is an important indicator of cortical development and maturation. Growth disorders of the fetal cortex may cause severe postnatal abnormalities such as mental retardation, epilepsy, hypotonia and spasticity. Therefore, for the cortical malformations; it is also important in terms of family counseling to investigate the underlying cause and detection of genetic and chromosomal disorders if exist. Our aim is to evaluate sulcal development and detection of the retardation of cortical development in fetuses with ventriculomegaly and in fetuses without central nervous system anomaly by MRI.Material and Method:The study has been carried out between June 2004 and April 2010 on cases detected or suspected fetal anomaly on prenatal ultrasound examination or referred to Department of Radiology of DEUM F for the fetal M RI . 103 M RI were evaluated together by two radiologists including one experienced pediatric radiologist. Evaluation of sulcal development is done according to the study of Garel at al. which reports average time of fissure and sulcus on M RI .Results:Ventriculomegaly found in 67 of 103 cases and there was central nervous system anomaly on 37 cases. Cerebral sulcal developmental retardation seen on 26 cases with ventriculomegaly and 1 case without ventriculomegaly. CNS (Central Nervous System) anomaly found in 17 cases of patient with ventriculomegaly. There is a valuable relationship between ventriculomegaly and cerebral sulcal retardation. (p=0.000) On the other hand, there is no statistically valuable relationship between CNS anomaly accompanying ventriculomegaly and cerebral sulcal retardation. (p=0.082)Discussion and Conclusion:In cases with isolated ventriculomegaly, it is very important to evaluate cerebral maturation for the family counseling, prognosis and morbidity. That?s why, wide studies consist postnatal follow up are needed especially in cases with isolated ventriculomegaly to determine the sensitivity and prognostic value of the M RI .