has anyone ever had CPC (Choroid Plexus Cyst) with the ultrasound and had any problems?

Question

from everything I've read, it's "nothing" to worry about considering everything else about the ultrasound "appears to be normal", but I wanted to see if anyone else had anything to share? Every mother is going to worry unless she hears "the baby is perfect" you know?

Answer 1

The choroid plexus is a brain structure responsible for producing cerebral spinal fluid. It is a hightly vascular structure and oftentimes it is extremely difficult to be sure a choroid plexus cyst is indeed a cyst and not simply a dilated blood vessel. Neither causes damage to the brain or brain function.

It deserves repeating: Neither causes damage to the brain or brain function.

Choroid plexus cysts almost always resolve by 28 weeks gestation. However, a resolved CPC does not change the associated risks.

The associated risk: Studies have linked an association between the CPC and a particular chromosomal abnormality; Trisomy 18. Some studies suggest the risk is higher if the CPCs are found bilaterally. In either case, a CPC as an isolated finding (no other fetal structual anomalies), is not of great concern, unless, perhaps the mother is of advanced maternal age. A pregnant woman is considered AMA at age 35 and beyond. However, if a CPC is found along with ANY other fetal structural anomaly, the risk (or likelihood) of the fetus having Trisomy 18 (a chromosomal defect) is greatly increased.

Ultrasound is very good at detecting Trisomy 18 since this chromosomal abnormality is usually seen with multiple anatomic defects; notably midline defects. In my ultrasound department, a choroid plexus cyst would prompt the technician to immediately perform a Level II ultrasound examination, which is an detailed, extended exam targeted for specific abnormalities.

Because the defect is usually severe and compound, Ultrasound is very good at detecting Trisomy 18. However, it is important for you to understand Ultrasound CANNOT confirm or rule out T18 with 100% accuracy. The only way to aquire chromosomal information with certainty is with genetic testing in the form of a CVS (chorionic villi sample of the placenta) during the first trimester or an amniocentesis (thereafter). Either procedure carries a risk to the fetus, including death. Therefore, it is very important to speak to your doctor or, if referred, a genetic councellor, about the risk of genetic testing verses the likelihood of the baby actually having a chromosomal abnormality.

Also, genetic testing does not change the outcome of the pregnancy. It only provides information.

Another much less invasive test is usually offered in the form of a Multiple Marker blood test (mother's blood). This test is used to screen for chomosomal abnormalities like Down Syndrome (T21), Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18. The test also screens for open neural tube defects like spina bifida as well as placental abnormalities. Most physicians offer this test but it is optional.

I've provided a website for you.

I am an ultrasound technician at a major, nationally recognized woman's hospital. I specialize in OB/GYN ultrasound. I can tell you I have personally scanned hundreds of fetus with a choroid plexus cyst. Ours is a large department and we see many of these EVERY DAY and if the cyst is an isolated finding and the patient is less than age 35 or the patient's Multiple Marker blood test was normal, it is extremely rare for it to be of any concern to us.

More than anything, the CPC causes anxiety to the expectant parents and I absolutely HATE to find it because it opens this whole conversation about a baby that is most likely perfectly healthy.