The absolute and relative sizes of the brains and bodies of fetuses with different forms of congenital heart disease and intrauterine growth restriction

Abstract

Congenital heart disease(CHD) is associated with in utero brain dysmaturation, abnormal cerebral vasculature and decreased brain size.(1,2) Intrauterine growth restriction is associated with increased relative brain size, smaller birth weight and neurological impairment later in life.(3) A large cohort of CHD and IUGR fetuses allows for more definitive study as to the extent these conditions effect the absolute and relative sizes of the brain and body.