Choroid plexus cysts and their anatomical correlations: importance in fetal prognosis. A critical literature review

ABSTRACT

The objective of this investigation was to carry out a literature review on the choroid plexus cysts and theirimportance in fetal prognosis with search on PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS and MEDLINE databases usingkeywords in English without time restrictions. Choroid plexus cysts, which are also termed intraventricularneuroepithelial cysts, choroid epithelial cysts or ependimary cysts, are structures localized within the interiorof the lateral ventricles, comprising secretory epithelium, the principal function of which is the production ofcerebrospinal fluid. Ultrasound images of the choroid plexuses within the lateral ventricles consist of hyperechogenicstructures at the level of the body, trigon and inferior horn of the ventricles. Between the 16th andthe 20th week of gestation, cystic structures in the interior of the ventricular plexuses may be observed at arate of 0.3-1.0% in an ultrasound examination of the fetal head, as is shown. Most choroid plexus cysts regressspontaneously without after effects, although there is a possible association with chromosomal abnormalities,notably trisomy 18 (Edwards’ syndrome) and less frequently cited, trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). The presenceof this kind of cyst is considered to be a lesser marker for them, except when combined with other morefrequently used and accepted ecographic markers, such as nuchal translucency, intracardiac echogenic focusand others. Its isolated presence as the sole characteristic of this aneuploidy is rare. The majority of choroidcysts are transitory and of little clinical significance, and may be identified through a computerized tomographyexamination. As such, the existence of isolated choroid cysts does not indicate the confirmation of chromosomalaneuploidies so much as an alarm that should trigger an investigation in greater depth in search ofother more important markers, emphasizing the importance of pre-natal monitoring.