Patient's question:
I am 27 weeks and 2 days pregnant. Today, I had a 3D ultrasound check-up. The doctor said that one side of my baby's brain ventricle is slightly wider, but it hasn't reached 10mm. This is the first time it has been detected. Could you please tell me what causes this widened ventricle? What should I do? What should the various indicators of a 27-week fetus be?Doctor's answer:
Analysis of the condition: The widened cisterna magna suggests mild hydrocephalus in the fetus. Hydrocephalus can be caused not only by excessive cerebrospinal fluid production but also by absorption disorders or obstruction of the mesencephalic aqueduct. Certain conditions such as intracranial hemorrhage, infection, and Dandy–Walker syndrome can lead to hydrocephalus.Advice: You are 27 weeks pregnant, and the fetus is still in a rapid growth phase. The development of the fetal brain may sometimes outpace the mesencephalic aqueduct system. When the amount of cerebrospinal fluid produced in the brain significantly exceeds the circulatory capacity of the aqueduct system, mild expansion of the ventricular system may occur. However, this mild expansion will gradually disappear as the aqueduct system matures. The accumulation of fluid is usually around 1 cm. In cases of significant hydrocephalus, it is often characterized by one or both sides of the brain being filled with fluid.
We recommend that you do not overworry. A follow-up scan in one month is advised. If the fluid accumulation gradually decreases, it indicates physiological hydrocephalus and requires no concern.