Sonographic detection of fetal cerebellar cavernous hemangioma with in-utero hemorrhage leading to cerebellar hemihypoplasia.

Abstract

We report the prenatal diagnosis of cerebellar cavernous angioma. Ultrasound examination at 21 weeks' gestation showed a hyperechogenic lesion measuring 12 mm in diameter, occupying most of the right cerebellar hemisphere. At 24 weeks' gestation, significant hypoplasia of the right hemisphere was diagnosed, and the pregnancy was terminated. Pathological evaluation of the lesion revealed extensive hemorrhaging and a rich network of dilated vessels and small capillaries. The right cerebellar lobe was hypoplastic and covered with blood clots. Cerebral cavernous malformation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyperechogenic lesions in the fetal cerebellum.