Choroid plexus cyst
Encyclopedia
Choroid plexus cysts are cyst
s 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. 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.
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 or Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome
).
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.
Other factors which may have a bearing on the baby's chances of developing chromosome problems include:
Many babies with chromosome problems do not show any signs on ultrasound.
Cyst
A cyst is a closed sac, having a distinct membrane and division on the nearby tissue. It may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material. A collection of pus is called an abscess, not a cyst. Once formed, a cyst could go away on its own or may have to be removed through surgery.- Locations :* Acne...
s that occur within choroid plexus
Choroid plexus
The choroid plexus is a structure in the ventricles of the brain where cerebrospinal fluid is produced...
of the brain. The brain contains pockets or spaces called ventricles
Ventricular system
The ventricular system is a set of structures containing cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. It is continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord.-Components:The system comprises four ventricles:* right and left lateral ventricles* third ventricle...
with a spongy layer of cells and blood vessels called the choroid plexus
Choroid plexus
The choroid plexus is a structure in the ventricles of the brain where cerebrospinal fluid is produced...
. 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. 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 counselingGenetic counseling
Genetic counseling or traveling is the process by which patients or relatives, at risk of an inherited disorder, are advised of the consequences and nature of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it, and the options open to them in management and family planning...
is often recommended to provide more information about fetal CPCs, to answer questions and concerns, and to outline available options such as amniocentesis
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a medical procedure used in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and fetal infections, in which a small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal tissues, is sampled from the amnion or amniotic sac surrounding a developing fetus, and the fetal DNA is examined for...
. There is a possible association between ultrasound-detected fetal CPCs and chromosome
Chromosome
A chromosome is an organized structure of DNA and protein found in cells. It is a single piece of coiled DNA containing many genes, regulatory elements and other nucleotide sequences. Chromosomes also contain DNA-bound proteins, which serve to package the DNA and control its functions.Chromosomes...
problems in the baby. Types of chromosome problems that are occasionally seen include Trisomy 18 or Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome
Down syndrome
Down syndrome, or Down's syndrome, trisomy 21, is a chromosomal condition caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. It is named after John Langdon Down, the British physician who described the syndrome in 1866. The condition was clinically described earlier in the 19th...
).
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.
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 testTriple testThe triple test, also called triple screen, the Kettering test or the Bart's test, is an investigation performed during pregnancy in the second trimester to classify a patient as either high-risk or low-risk for chromosomal abnormalities .The term "multiple-marker screening test" is sometimes used...
ing 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.