[Choroid plexus cysts and risks of chromosome anomalies. Review of the literature and proposed management]

Abstract

Objective: We propose to specify the different criteria of estimation and management in presence of a ultrasound discovery of a choroid plexus cyst.

Method: A detailed review of the literature about this subject allowed to better apprehend the different attitudes taken up by the authors.

Results: Fetal choroid plexus cysts (CPC) are potentially useful markers for trisomy 18 in as much as they are present in about 50% of affected fetuses and they are easily seen in the standard biparietal diameter view which is obtained for all routine ultrasound scans. However, advice is contradictory as to whether karyotyping should be proposed for all fetuses (1-2% of the population) where fetal CPC are diagnosed.

Conclusion: The review of the literature show that the majority of the authors advocate amniocentesis when the CPC is associated with another ultrasound abnormality. Isolated, it imposes regular and meticulous morphologic ultrasound supervision to search for another possible associated ultrasound abnormality, if necessary, in a prenatal diagnosis center.