Prenatal diagnosis of agenesis of the corpus callosum

Abstract

A case of agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is presented, in which we suspected of fetal hydrocephalus with sonographic findings of ventriculomegaly at 29 weeks' gestation. The patient underwent a successful cesarian section at 36 weeks' gestation for the purpose of ventricular shunting after birth. But the baby was found to have agenesis of the corpus callosum, not congenital hydrocephalus. Diagnostic criteria of ACC in the fetus by sonography include 1) dilatation and superior displacement of the third ventricle, 2) disproportionate enlargement of the occipital horns, 3) absence of the septum pellucidum, 4) widely separated, parallel lateral ventricles, which sometimes resemble those of early hydrocephaly and should be differentiated. ACC is also often associated with malformations especially of central nervous system incidentally, and these complicated cases sometimes demonstrate poor prognosis. Prenatal diagnosis of ACC and the search for associated malformation is important for its appropriate perinatal management. © 1993, Japanese Society of National Medical Services. All rights reserved.