Choroid plexus cyst

Choroid plexus cyst
Classification and external resources
ICD-10	G93.0
ICD-9	348.0

Choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) are cysts that occur within choroid plexus of the brain. The brain contains pockets or spaces called ventricles with a spongy layer of cells and blood vessels called the choroid plexus. This is in the middle of the fetal brain. The choroid plexus has the important function of producing a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. The fluid produced by the cells of the choroid plexus fills the ventricles and then flows around the brain and the spinal cord to provide a cushion of fluid around these structures.

CPCs can form within this structure and come from fluid trapped within this spongy layer of cells, much like a soap bubble or a blister. CPCs are often called "soft signs" or fetal ultrasound "markers" because some studies have found a weak association between CPCs and fetal chromosome abnormalities.

It is believed that many adults have one or more tiny CPCs.^[1] CPCs have no impact on an individual's health or development or learning. The fetal brain may create these cysts as a normal part of development. They are temporary and usually are gone by the 32nd week of pregnancy.

Chromosome problems

Genetic counseling is often recommended to provide more information about fetal CPCs, to answer questions and concerns, and to outline available options such as amniocentesis. There is a possible association between ultrasound-detected fetal CPCs and chromosome problems in the baby. Types of chromosome problems that are occasionally seen include Trisomy 18^[2][3] or Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).^[4]

Generally the risks are low if there are no other risk factors. Some studies have estimated up to a 1% (1/100) chance of delivering a baby with a chromosome problem when there is a CPC present.^{[citation needed]}

Other factors which may have a bearing on the baby's chances of developing chromosome problems include:

• mother's age at the expected date of delivery
• the results of serum screening; XAFP triple testing or quad screening
• evidence of other "fetal findings" seen at the time of the ultrasound that may suggest a chromosome problem

Many babies with chromosome problems do not show any signs on ultrasound.

References

1. ^ Jeon JH, Lee SW, Ko JK, et al. (2005). "Neuroendoscopic removal of large choroid plexus cyst: a case report". J. Korean Med. Sci. 20 (2): 335–9. doi:10.3346/jkms.2005.20.2.335. PMC 2808618. PMID 15832013. http://jkms.org/Synapse/Data/PDFData/0063JKMS/jkms-20-335.pdf. 
2. ^ Hurt K, Sottner O, Záhumenský J, et al. (2007). "[Choroid plexus cysts and risk of trisomy 18. Modifications regarding maternal age and markers]" (in Czech). Ceska Gynekol 72 (1): 49–52. PMID 17357350. 
3. ^ Papp C, Ban Z, Szigeti Z, Csaba A, Beke A, Papp Z (2007). "Role of second trimester sonography in detecting trisomy 18: a review of 70 cases". J Clin Ultrasound 35 (2): 68–72. doi:10.1002/jcu.20290. PMID 17206726. 
4. ^ Dagklis T, Plasencia W, Maiz N, Duarte L, Nicolaides KH (2007). "Choroid plexus cyst, intracardiac echogenic focus, hyperechogenic bowel and hydronephrosis in screening for trisomy 21 at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks". Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 31 (2): 132. doi:10.1002/uog.5224. PMID 18085527. 

External links

• The Choroid Plexus Cyst Website