Fetal porencephaly: a review of etiology, diagnosis, and prognosis

Abstract

Porencephaly may result from either a developmental anomaly or an antepartum intraparenchymal insult. Pre- and postnatal ultrasonography can demonstrate characteristic images of porencephaly. There is minimal literature on diagnosis and outcome of antenatally diagnosed porencephaly. There are two types of porencephaly: type I is generally due to an antepartum intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Type II lesions are usually developmental anomalies. Prognosis generally depends on the extent of the lesion.