Isolated Upward Rotation of the Fetal Cerebellar Vermis (Blake’s Pouch Cyst) Is a Normal Variant: An Analysis of 111 Cases

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The objective of the study was to provide more detailed data about fetal isolated upward rotation of the cerebellar vermis rotation (Blake’s pouch cyst) in particular regarding pregnancy outcome. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This is a retrospective study of all cases of fetal isolated upward rotation of the cerebellar vermis (URCV) diagnosed in 3 referral centers in Italy from January 2009 to November 2019. Whenever possible, prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed and a fetal karyotype was obtained. A detailed follow-up was obtained by consultation of medical records, interview with the parents, and the pediatricians. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Our study population included 111 patients with a prenatal diagnosis of isolated URCV made at a median gestational age of 21 weeks +3 days (interquartile range (IQR) 21 + 0–22 + 2). The median brain stem-vermis (BV) angle was 27° (IQR 24–29°). In 37.9% of the cases, a regression of the finding with restoration of normal anatomy was noted at a follow-up scan or at postnatal checks. A BV angle of 25° or less predicted regression with a probability in excess of 90%. MRI was performed in utero or at birth in 101 patients and always confirmed sonographic diagnosis. Fetal CGH array and/or karyotype was available in 97 cases and was always normal, but in 1 case. A postnatal follow-up was available in 102 infants (mean 7 months, range 0–10 years of age) and documented a normal neurologic development in all the cases. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Isolated URCV is most likely a normal variant of fetal anatomy without clinical consequences, at least at an early follow-up. A BV angle of 25° or less predicts intrauterine regression of the finding, but the outcome is good in all the cases. When a confident sonographic diagnosis is made, MRI is not mandatory. The risk of a chromosomal anomaly in these cases is probably low.