Abstract
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a serious complication of prematurity and is
of high concern due to the risk of brain injury and in severe cases, death. We report
the first case of IVH in a fetus of dichorionic-diamniotic pregnancy that worsened
postnatally. Antenatally, magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a large IVH after ventricular
abnormalities were detected by prenatal ultrasound (US). At birth, a grade IV IVH
diagnosis was made and progressive ventricle dilatation was noted on weekly US. A
ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed and ventricle dilatation was slightly reduced,
however, the IVH was essentially unchanged. The infant was discharged in stable condition
at 12-weeks-old and chronic neurological dysfunction is expected. IVH is seen in complicated
births of prematurity and antenatal US can inform an examiner if fetal IVH is present.
It is important to identify IVH and provide immediate intervention to prevent disease
worsening during the antenatal and postnatal period.
Keywords
Intraventricular hemorrhage - Dichorionic-diamniotic - Pregnancy - Infant mortality
- Women
