| Choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) are cysts that occur | | | | week of pregnancy. |
| within choroid plexus of the brain. Choroid plexus | | | | There is considerable controversy in the medical |
| cysts (CPC's) are sometimes found on ultrasound | | | | journals about how great a risk of Trisomy 18 or |
| scan at around 18 to 20 weeks gestation. Choroid | | | | other chromosomal abnormalities there is for a |
| Plexus Cysts are believed to derive from folding | | | | fetus with choroid plexus cysts. The risk of |
| of the neuroepithelium with subsequent | | | | chromosome abnormalities increases significantly |
| accumulation of CSF and debris. The choroid | | | | when CPC’s are associated with other |
| plexus has the important function of producing a | | | | markers rising from less than 1 in 250 as an |
| fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. The fluid produced | | | | isolated finding in a woman under 32 years to 1 in |
| by the cells of the choroid plexus fills the | | | | 10 when associated with other markers or raised |
| ventricles and then flows around the brain and the | | | | maternal age. Choroid plexus cysts are seen |
| spinal cord to provide a cushion of fluid around | | | | during 1% to 3% of all mid-trimester prenatal |
| these structures. | | | | ultrasound examinations. |
| CPCs can organize within this system and go | | | | There is substantial argument in the medical |
| from graceful trapped within this soft bed of cells, | | | | journals about how good a danger of Trisomy 18 |
| often like a soap bubble or a blister. CPCs are | | | | or new chromosomal abnormalities there is for a |
| frequently called "tender signs" or fetal ultrasound | | | | fetus with choroid plexus cysts. The danger of |
| "markers" because some studies have establish a | | | | chromosome abnormalities increases significantly |
| feeble association between CPCs and fetal | | | | when CPC’s are associated with new |
| chromosome abnormalities. It is believed that | | | | markers rising from little than 1 in 250 as an |
| many adults have one or much small CPCs. CPCs | | | | isolated finding in a woman under 32 years to 1 in |
| have no influence on a person's health or growth | | | | 10 when associated with new markers or raised |
| or learning. The fetal mind may produce these | | | | paternal age. Choroid plexus cysts are seen during |
| cysts as a natural region of growth. They are | | | | 1% to3% of all mid-trimester prenatal ultrasound |
| short-lived and normally are gone by the 32nd | | | | examinations. |