Neurodevelopmental outcome of fetal isolated ventricular asymmetry without dilation: A cohort study

Objective Fetal isolated ventricular asymmetry (IVA) is a relatively common finding in pregnancy, but data regarding its effect on neurodevelopmental outcome are scarce and founded principally on ultrasound-based studies. The purpose of this study was to assess the neurodevelopmental outcome of IVA cases in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based study. Methods Cases referred for fetal brain MRI as part of the assessment of IVA without ventriculomegaly (lateral ventricular atrial diameter ≥10 mm), identified during routine ultrasound examination, were assessed for possible inclusion. Asymmetry was defined as a difference in width of ≥2mm between the two lateral ventricles. Forty-three cases were included in the study group and compared with a control group of 94 normal cases without IVA. Children were assessed at ages 13-74 months using the Vineland-II Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS-II). Results VABS-II scores were within normal range. There was no significant difference in composite VABS-II score between the study and control groups (106.5 vs 108.0; P= 0.454). VABS-II scores did not differ between the groups when matched for gender and age at VABS-II interview (109.6 in study group vs 107.8 in control group; P=0.690). Conclusion In cases of IVA without ventriculomegaly on MRI, neurodevelopmental test scores were normal and did not differ from cases without IVA.