Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42143260›Full record

SynthesisBMC pregnancy and childbirth2026

Natural history and prognostic significance of fetal choroid plexus cysts: a systematic review.

Somayeh Shirazinejad, Hazhir Moradi, Somayeh Khanjani

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Somayeh ShirazinejadFaculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezar Jarib Ave., Isfahan, Iran.
Hazhir MoradiNosocomial Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Somayeh KhanjaniFaculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezar Jarib Ave., Isfahan, Iran. somayeh.khanjani@yahoo.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesFetal choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) are common incidental findings during mid-trimester ultrasound. Although typically benign, their detection often causes parental concern because of potential associations with chromosomal abnormalities, particularly trisomy 18. This systematic review summarizes current evidence on the natural history, associated anomalies, and prognostic implications of CPCs to guide prenatal counseling.

methodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for original studies published between 2010 and 2025. Eligible studies included fetuses with CPCs diagnosed by ultrasound and reported data on anomalies, genetic testing, or pregnancy outcomes. Case reports and reviews were excluded. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Findings were synthesized qualitatively due to heterogeneity.

resultsTen studies met inclusion criteria, comprising over 10,600 screened fetuses, with several hundred CPC cases. Prevalence ranged from 0.5% to 2.5%, most detected between 16 and 22 weeks. Isolated CPCs, particularly in pregnancies with normal biochemical screening or negative non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), were not significantly associated with chromosomal abnormalities. By contrast, CPCs with additional sonographic findings showed a markedly increased risk of trisomy 18 and clinically significant copy number variations. Most isolated CPCs resolved spontaneously and were followed by favorable neonatal outcomes.

conclusionsIsolated CPCs in the context of low-risk screening should be regarded as benign variants with excellent prognosis, and invasive testing is unnecessary. Conversely, CPCs with additional risk factors require further evaluation, including chromosomal microarray, supporting a risk-adapted approach.

Indexed as

Central Nervous System CystsChoroid PlexusFetal DiseasesFemaleHumansPregnancyPrognosisTrisomy 18 SyndromeUltrasonography, PrenatalChoroid plexus cystGenetic counselingIsolated CPCPrenatal diagnosisSystematic reviewTrisomy 18Ultrasound

Identifiers

PMID42143260
PMCPMC13352975

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.