Is ventriculomegaly related to the mother?
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Whether ventriculomegaly is related to maternal factors usually depends on the specific circumstances. If it is due to physiological causes, there is typically no association with maternal factors; if it is due to pathological causes, an association is more likely. During pregnancy, incomplete development of the fetal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation pathway may lead to local CSF accumulation, resulting in widened lateral ventricles. As gestational age increases, CSF circulation gradually improves.
Ventriculomegaly usually needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine whether it is related to the mother. If caused by physiological factors, it is generally unrelated; if due to pathological factors, it is often related. Specific situations are as follows:
1. Unrelated
During pregnancy, the fetal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation pathway may not be fully developed, leading to localized CSF accumulation and resulting in widened lateral ventricles, typically less than 10 mm. As gestational age increases, CSF circulation gradually improves, and the ventricular width usually resolves spontaneously. This is considered a physiological phenomenon and is generally not related to the mother.
2. Related
Ventriculomegaly may result from mutations in the L1CAM gene inherited from parents, which is associated with various neurological disorders. It could also be caused by maternal abnormalities during pregnancy, such as hepatosplenomegaly or polyhydramnios, which restrict fetal growth, or maternal infections such as cytomegalovirus or toxoplasmosis, leading to fetal cerebral atrophy, fibrosis, or obstruction of the cerebral aqueduct, thereby causing ventriculomegaly.
If any discomfort occurs, patients should seek timely medical attention. Adequate rest is recommended, and excessive fatigue should be avoided.
