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Ventriculomegaly is a condition in which the ventricular system of the brain is enlarged. The ventricular system contains sac-like pockets called ventricles that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
In the brain of a healthy fetus, the lateral ventricles of the brain are less than 10 mm wide. In the case of a fetus with ventriculomegaly, the lateral ventricles are between 10 mm and 15 mm wide; if they are even larger, the case is considered severe.
In most cases, ventriculomegaly is an isolated condition, so it is not linked to other health problems. However, a small portion of infants afflicted with ventriculomegaly have other health conditions, as well.
Severe cases of ventriculomegaly may result from hydrocephalus (water on the brain), in which CSF builds up and puts pressure on the brain.
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