KEY FACTS
Terminology
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Classic Dandy-Walker malformation
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Cerebellar vermis is completely or partially absent
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Cystic dilatation of 4th ventricle (4V)
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Enlarged posterior fossa with elevated tentorium
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Tentorium is roof of posterior fossa and separates cerebellum from occipital lobe
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Imaging
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4V dilated and communicates directly with cisterna magna
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Posterior fossa cyst (often quite large)
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Elevates tentorium (seen best on sagittal view)
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If partial vermis present, it is rotated and displaced superiorly
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Ventriculomegaly is common feature
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~ 70-90% have additional anomalies
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Other brain anomalies common (above tentorium)
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Fetal MR is additive (better sagittal view, other brain anomalies)
Top Differential Diagnoses
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Persistent Blake pouch cyst
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Vermis is elevated but otherwise normal
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Mega cisterna magna
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Cerebellum otherwise normal
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Arachnoid cyst
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Mass effect on otherwise normal cerebellum
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Clinical Issues
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Aneuploidy in ~ 50%
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Trisomy 18,13,9; monosomy X (Turner syndrome)
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Associated with syndromes
Scanning Tips
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Try 3D to obtain multiplanar sagittal view if not able to see this plane by 2D ultrasound
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Use transvaginal ultrasound if fetus is cephalic
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Measure vermis length on sagittal view
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Measure cerebellar diameter for any anomaly in posterior fossa