The normal brain is surrounded by a clear fluid called the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). This fluid cushions the brain in the skull and exists in the spinal canal as well as the spaces in the brain called the ventricles. Ventriculomegaly, also known as hydrocephalus, is a condition in which the CSF-filled structures within the brain become larger than normal. As a result, the large ventricles can inhibit the proper development of the brain. Sometimes ventriculomegaly is associated with developmental problems of the fetal spine called neural tube defects or spina bifida. Infants with ventriculomegaly may also have chromosome abnormalities or genetic syndromes.
Ventriculomegaly is diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound. Throughout the pregnancy, the ultrasound will be repeated to follow the progression of disease as well as to evaluate other structures of the brain. Once ventriculomegaly is diagnosed, additional tests may be recommended such as amniocentesis to evaluate the chromosomes of your baby and a fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the structures of the brain more closely.
There is no fetal treatment for ventriculomegaly. After a complete evaluation of your baby, the physicians and counselors at the Center will discuss all of your test results and help you understand what to expect after delivery.
Type of delivery: Cesarean delivery is usually not necessary for ventriculomegaly. The delivery plan will be carefully discussed between you and your obstetrician.
Place of delivery: The baby should be delivered at a hospital that is well prepared to handle the intensive care and neurosurgery required of infants with ventriculomegaly. There should be a neonatal intensive care unit with the capability to provide specialized care and surgical services.
Time of delivery: There is usually no reason to intentionally induce early delivery and mothers can usually carry the child to term.
Immediately following delivery, doctors will carefully evaluate the baby and begin necessary treatment. The baby will be stabilized and may require admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. The pediatric neurosurgeons and neurologists will evaluate your newborn and discuss future treatments if necessary. The physicians at the Center will develop a comprehensive plan for you and your baby before, during, and after birth.
When you contact The Fetal Center, you will be in touch with a dedicated coordinator who will walk you through the process step-by-step and help you to understand every aspect of your care.
The Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital
UT Professional Building
6410 Fannin, Suite 210
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone: (832) 325-7288
Toll free: (888) 818-4818
Fax: (713) 383-1464
Email: thefetalcenter@memorialhermann.org
To contact The Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, please fill out the form below.
Located within the Texas Medical Center, The Fetal Center is affiliated with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, UT Physicians and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.