Normally, the normal value of the left and right ventricles of the fetus does not exceed 10 mm, and most fetal side ventricles are about 6-7 mm wide. However, the width of the lateral ventricle can not be 0, if it is 0, it means that the lateral ventricle of the fetus is not developed, and it is not normal.
Lateral ventricle widening is caused by poor circulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the fetus, which remains in the ventricles, which gradually disappears as the cerebral catheter system is perfected. If the lateral ventricular diameter is less than 10 mm, the effect is generally small. If the lateral ventricular diameter is greater than 10 mm, it is a lateral ventricular widening.
Widening of the lateral ventricle increases the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities and increases the likelihood of long-term developmental abnormalities of the nervous system by 10% to 30%. If the lateral ventricular diameter is greater than 15 cm, hydrocephalus can be diagnosed. If the width of the lateral ventricle is greater than 10-12mm to be paid attention to, ultrasound can be carried out after about 3-4 weeks, dynamic monitoring of lateral ventricles, if only simple lateral ventricle widening, other obstetric examinations are normal, generally no problem.
Under normal circumstances, most fetuses with widened lateral ventricles can absorb on their own, and only a small part will have hydrocephalus. The progress of each fetus's development is different, so the time of absorption is also different. It is usually gradually absorbed around 28-32 weeks of pregnancy, and the best time for absorption is 28-32 weeks, that is, about 30 weeks. Some fetuses absorb later, after 32 weeks.
If it persists above 10 mm, the structure of the fetal brain should be carefully examined and needs to be evaluated by magnetic resonance or amniocentesis. Clinically, patients with a fetal lateral ventricular dilation width of 10-12 mm have a better prognosis.
If the lateral ventricle is widened greater than 15 mm, further fetal chromosomal testing is also required. If there are other structural malformations, the fetus needs to be abandoned.