Association of fetal hydrocephalus with other embryological anomalies: A prenatal ultrasound-based study

Objective: To determine the incidence of fetal hydrocephalus in pregnant women and to identify the association of fetal hydrocephalus with other embryological anomalies.

Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 36 pregnant women at a private ultrasound clinic in Karachi over a period of eight months. The participants were divided into age groups, 21-30 years and 31-40 years. Toshiba APLIO 300 ultrasound machine was used to assess fetal age by measuring biparietal diameter (BPD) and femur length, whereas atrium of lateral ventricle was measured to diagnose fetal hydrocephalus.

Results: Twenty-two cases of fetal hydrocephalus were observed in maternal age of 21-30 years with a p-value of 0.011. Severe dilatation of ≥15mm was observed in 85.7% cases in age group of 31-40 years. Cranial anomalies were found in 20 cases with significant results while extracranial anomalies were observed in cases of severe dilatation only. Hydrocephalus was prevalent in male fetuses and was observed in 30 (83.33%) fetuses.

Conclusion: Most cases of fetal hydrocephalus were observed in women of younger age (p=0.011). Fetal hydrocephalus of severe type exhibiting ventricular dilatation >15mm was observed in fetuses of male gender.