Choroid Plexus Cysts

(This is not our son, only a picture showing where the Choroid Plexus Cysts or CPC's are located.)

This mornings doctor appointment had good news and bad news.

It was shown on our ultrasound that our son has Choroid Plexus Cysts or CPC's. What are those? Below is an excerpt from an article found here.

The choroid plexus is an area of the brain that is not involved thinking or personality. Rather, the choroid plexus makes a fluid that protects and nourishes the brain and spinal cord. When a fluid-filled space is seen in the choroid plexus during an ultrasound, it is called a choroid plexus cyst (CPC). They can vary in size and shape, from small and round to large and irregular. Some fetuses have more than one.

Good News:

Regardless of their number, shape or size, choroid plexus cysts are not harmful to the baby. "I am not aware of a single instance where a CPC caused damage to a fetus," says Dr. Filly.

Dr. Peter Doubilet, a Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School, agrees, "That's one very important fact. CPCs are not harmful, and they nearly always go away by the third trimester of pregnancy."

Bad News:

CPCs have become associated with a severe genetic disease called Trisomy 18. (Trisomy 18 is basically a death sentence.) It is well documented that about half of babies with Trisomy 18 show a CPC on ultrasound.


"The vast majority of fetuses with [isolated] CPCs are completely normal, but when CPCs are seen, the chance of Trisomy 18 goes up," says Dr. Doubilet, "This risk is still very small: about 1 in 300." This means that if 300 fetuses have isolated CPCs, only one of them will have Trisomy 18. "While the risk is small, it is higher than the risk of approximately 1 in 3,000 among all pregnant women," points out Dr. Doubilet.

What does all this mean?

But even if an isolated CPC does mean an increased risk, that risk is still extremely small. The take-home message? If a CPC is found with no other warning signs, the outcome is virtually always positive.

Back to Erin and I, Erin had some more blood work done today and the results of that will tell us a little more. We are waiting from a call from a specialist where Erin will get a level 2 ultrasound. Other than that, all we can do is pray knowing God will get the glory in this situation.

(A level 2 ultrasound, also called a targeted ultrasound, this ultrasound is conducted specifically to look for particular markers based upon what was found in the initial ultrasound or triple screen.)

Erin and I appreciate any prayers on our behalf. After doing the research, I was encouraged. Erin on the other hand, had the oppositte effect. We thank God that He is in control!

—b



Friday, March 16th, 2007/2 Chronicles chapters 6 – ???

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
This morning, we had a 9:40 doctor's appointment so I figured I'd sleep late and do my Bible study later in the morning. Well, I slept late...too late. Doh!

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
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SPIRITUAL TWIN CITIES NOTEABLES
• The 1960s has the largest portion of large size churches.