Dandy-Walker variant
Updates to Article Attributes
Body
was changed:
Dandy-Walker variant (DWV) is a less severe posterior fossa anomaly than the classic Dandy-Walker malformation and is considered being on the lesser end of the disease spectrum in the Dandy-Walker conituum.
Pathology
There is usually partial vermian hypoplasia with partial obstruction to the fourth ventricle, but without enlargement of the posterior fossa.
Radiographic features
Antenatal ultrasound
- the diagnosis of a Dandy-Walker variant should not be made at least ~ the 18th week of gestation especially as the inferior vermis does not form until that time
- may show a connection between the cisterna magna and fourth ventricle
- the fourth ventricle is large but less dilated and better formed than the classic Dandy-Walker malformation 1
- the cerebellar hemispheres are hypoplastic but there
thereis less severe hypoplasia of the inferior vermis
Differential diagnosis
On antenatal ultrasound - consider
- communication between the fourth ventricle and the cisterna magna can be a normal finding up to ~ 18 weeks of gestation
- incorrect angluation of the scan may make the posterior fossa larger than usual
See also
-<li>the cerebellar hemispheres are hypoplastic but there there is less severe hypoplasia of the inferior vermis</li>- +<li>the cerebellar hemispheres are hypoplastic but there is less severe hypoplasia of the inferior vermis</li>