Thrombosis of torcular herophili: diagnosis, prenatal management, and outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this article is to describe and assess prenatal imaging findings, fetal and postnatal outcomes of thrombosis of torcular herophili, and to determine diagnostic features, pathophysiology, prognosis, and optimal management. METHODS: Over a decade, we compiled the largest single-center retrospective study of outcomes. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to confirm the sonographic suspicion and monitor thrombosis of torcular herophili. We noted prenatal and postnatal imaging specifications, pregnancy outcomes, and clinical and radiological pediatric monitoring. Analysis of findings and review of the literature allowed us to define prognostic factors. RESULTS: In eight cases of prenatal diagnosis of thrombosis of torcular herophili, MRI outcomes were specific. There were five deliveries at full term, two terminations of pregnancy, and one fetal demise in utero. Neonates had a good clinical and radiological outcome. Factors of poor prognosis were deep venous sinus thrombosis, enduring mass effect, brain parenchymal injury, and heart failure related to dural arteriovenous shunt. CONCLUSION: Among dural sinus malformations, thrombosis of torcular herophili with or without extension at the posterior segment of the longitudinal sinus frequently has a good prognosis. It is urgent to wait because the prognosis can only be ascertained over time by means of ultrasound scan and MRI monitoring.

Dural sinus malformation (DSM) in fetuses. Diagnostic value of prenatal MRI and follow-up.

Dural sinus malformations (DSM) are rare malformations mainly reported after birth. The objectives of this study are to describe their prenatal patterns and to focus on their possible favorable outcome. This multicenter retrospective study reported 13 cases of DSM prenatally diagnosed. The admission criterion was a dural mass posterior to the vermis. In 12 patients, MRI was performed after US. Follow-up in 10 born babies (mean: 8 months) and three neuropathological examinations were available. In all fetuses, DSM presented as a well-delimited round mass involving the torcular. The follow-up examinations (n = 10) revealed progressive thrombosis of the DSM marked by a heterogeneous pattern (US and MRI) with concentric rings. The volume of the mass decreased, with complete regression in seven patients (five before and two after birth). One child died at the age of 5 months in the context of major hydrocephalus and another developed atrophy of the frontal lobes. The eight other babies were doing well (5 days to 3 years) without any treatment (n = 6) or following treatment for hydrocephalus (n = 2). Prenatal DSM may have a typical MR pattern, and the prognosis might not be as bad as has previously been reported. In the absence of criterion to predict the hydrovenous cerebral imbalance, it is mandatory to check the parenchyma and the ventricles during the pregnancy.