Objectives: To compare the outcomes of fetuses with apparently isolated macrocephaly and those with associated findings, and to compare prenatal findings with postnatal diagnoses in children with syndromic macrocephaly.
Methods: We reviewed the files of all patients referred for suspected fetal macrocephaly, during a 10-year period from 2000, to a large prenatal diagnosis unit with expertise in fetal neurology counseling. Macrocephaly was defined as head circumference (HC) > 2 SDs of the norm. Patients with confirmed HC > 2 SD were identified and contacted, and their development was evaluated.
Results: Adequate data for analysis were available for 98 patients, in 82 of whom the fetal macrocephaly was considered isolated (Group A), and in 16 of whom associated fetal anomalies were identified (Group B). Macrocephaly was diagnosed earlier in Group B patients (28.4 vs. 32.3 weeks, P = 0.069), and the HC in Group B patients was larger (Z-score 2.95 vs. 2.3, P < 0.001). From Group A there were 81 liveborn; one of whom was diagnosed as having infantile autism. From Group B, there were nine liveborn. The associated central nervous system findings, as demonstrated by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, included mild ventriculomegaly, malformations of cortical development, callosal abnormalities, overdeveloped sulcation, large cavum septi pellucidi, large subarachnoid spaces, mega cisterna magna, periventricular pseudocyst, open operculum and vermian dysgenesis. Syndromic diagnosis was made in utero in five fetuses and after birth in three. In eight patients, associated malformations were confirmed after birth but a specific diagnosis was not reached.
Conclusions: When fetal macrocephaly is associated with other brain or systemic anomalies, syndromic macrocephaly can be diagnosed in utero. Fetuses with syndromic macrocephaly have a significantly larger HC, usually > 2.5 SD above the mean. Isolated macrocephaly, particularly when the HC is < 2.5 SD above the norm, may be clinically benign.