Prenatal diagnosis of cerebellar hemorrhage: medicolegal implications.

Abstract

Perinatal brain damage and compromised long-term neurologic outcome have been a topic of major concern and continuing debate. Until recently the occurrence of fetal brain injury was attributed to intrapartum events. However, evidence continues to accumulate that neurologic damage can occur during fetal life unrelated to intrapartum events. We report a case of massive cerebellar hemorrhage of unknown cause diagnosed by ultrasonography at 36 weeks of gestation after decreased fetal movements. Fetal heart rate pattern and Doppler flow study of cerebral arteries are correlated with neuropathologic findings, and the medicolegal aspects of this condition are discussed.