Dandy-Walker Malformation





KEY FACTS


Terminology





  • Classic Dandy-Walker malformation




    • Cerebellar vermis is completely or partially absent



    • Cystic dilatation of 4th ventricle (4V)



    • Enlarged posterior fossa with elevated tentorium




      • Tentorium is roof of posterior fossa and separates cerebellum from occipital lobe





Imaging





  • 4V dilated and communicates directly with cisterna magna



  • Posterior fossa cyst (often quite large)




    • Elevates tentorium (seen best on sagittal view)




  • If partial vermis present, it is rotated and displaced superiorly



  • Ventriculomegaly is common feature



  • ~ 70-90% have additional anomalies




    • Other brain anomalies common (above tentorium)




  • Fetal MR is additive (better sagittal view, other brain anomalies)



Top Differential Diagnoses





  • Persistent Blake pouch cyst




    • Vermis is elevated but otherwise normal




  • Mega cisterna magna




    • Cerebellum otherwise normal




  • Arachnoid cyst




    • Mass effect on otherwise normal cerebellum




Clinical Issues





  • Aneuploidy in ~ 50%




    • Trisomy 18,13,9; monosomy X (Turner syndrome)




  • Associated with syndromes



Scanning Tips





  • Try 3D to obtain multiplanar sagittal view if not able to see this plane by 2D ultrasound



  • Use transvaginal ultrasound if fetus is cephalic



  • Measure vermis length on sagittal view



  • Measure cerebellar diameter for any anomaly in posterior fossa







Graphic shows a superiorly rotated vermian remnant , an uncovered 4th ventricle communicating with a posterior fossa cyst, and elevation of the tentorium . These are the requisite findings of a classic Dandy-Walker malformation (DMW).








A sagittal brain view of this fetus shows a posterior fossa cyst , a superiorly rotated vermian remnant , and elevation of the tentorium . Of note, however, the sagittal view of the posterior fossa is not always feasible with 2D ultrasound.








Axial standard view of the posterior fossa in this fetus with DWM shows splaying of the cerebellar hemispheres and an absent vermis leading to communication between the cisterna magna and the 4th ventricle .

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Nov 10, 2024 | Posted by in ULTRASONOGRAPHY | Comments Off on Dandy-Walker Malformation

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