Abnormal Fetal Central Nervous System Morphology C5706143
Structural abnormalities of the fetal brain or spine detected during pregnancy. These require thorough evaluation and specialized care. Management depends on the specific condition and its severity.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- G43.909
- ICD-11
- 8A00.0
- Body system
- neurologic
- Severity
- severe
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Ventriculomegaly
Abnormal enlargement of the brain's lateral ventricles, often detected via prenatal ultrasound.
Requires immediate specialist referral for comprehensive evaluation and monitoring.
Abnormal head circumference
Microcephaly (abnormally small head) or macrocephaly (abnormally large head) detected prenatally.
Urgent neurological evaluation and imaging studies are needed.
Intracranial hemorrhage
Bleeding within the fetal brain, often detected as hyperechoic areas on ultrasound.
Immediate specialist referral and potential emergency delivery may be required.
Hydrocephalus
(neurologic)Accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain cavities, causing increased intracranial pressure.
Frequency: 30-40% of cases
Neural tube defect
(neurologic)Failure of the neural tube to close properly, potentially affecting the brain or spinal cord.
Frequency: 25-35% of cases
Intracranial cysts
(neurologic)Fluid-filled sacs within the brain tissue, often identified on prenatal imaging.
Frequency: 20-30% of cases
Abnormal corpus callosum
(neurologic)Partial or complete absence of the corpus callosum connecting the brain hemispheres.
Frequency: 15-25% of cases
Reduced fetal movement
(constitutional)Decreased perceived movement by the mother, which may indicate neurological impairment.
Frequency: 20-30% of cases
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Combination drug regimen with regular assessment
Active treatment with regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.
Detailed Fetal MRI Assessment
Advanced magnetic resonance imaging to precisely characterize central nervous system abnormalities, assess brain development, and guide management decisions.
Fetal Neurosurgery Consultation
Evaluation by pediatric neurosurgeons to assess feasibility of in utero or immediate postnatal surgical interventions for structural CNS abnormalities.
Additional treatment options
High-Dose Folic Acid Supplementation
Optimized maternal folate intake to support neural tube development and potentially reduce progression of certain CNS abnormalities.
dietaryAntenatal Magnesium Sulfate
Administration of magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection in selected cases where early delivery is anticipated or fetal neurological risk exists.
medicationMultidisciplinary Neurodevelopmental Follow-up
Establishment of comprehensive care team including neurology, developmental pediatrics, and rehabilitation services for long-term outcome optimization.
monitoringWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
See a doctor within 24 hours
Moderate to severe symptoms that may indicate worsening of this condition. Prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
Contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent care if symptoms worsen rapidly. Go to the emergency department for life-threatening symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Fetal Central Nervous System Morphology C5706143?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. ISUOG Practice Guidelines: Role of ultrasound in assessment of fetal CNS anomalies. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2020;56(5):736-754.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. 183: Prenatal Diagnostic Testing for Genetic Disorders. Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(4):e103-e117.
Garel C,CONTINUUM (Minneap Minn). Fetal Cerebral Anatomy. In: Fetal Neurology. 2019;25(1):5-23.
European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations on the Clinical Practice of Prenatal Ultrasound. Ultraschall Med. 2020;41(2):176-189.
Cunningham FG, Leveno KJ, Bloom SL, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 25th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2018. Chapter 10: Prenatal Diagnosis.
Malinger G, Paladini D, Haratz KK, et al. ISUOG Practice Guidelines: Sonographic examination of the fetal central nervous system. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2020;56(5):698-722.
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. SMFM Clinical Guideline #7: The role of routine anomaly scan. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;221(3):B2-B12.
Rossi AC, Prefumo F. Accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosis of fetal CNS anomalies: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2020;55(2):158-168.
Paladini D, Malinger G, Pilu G, et al. Sonographic diagnosis of fetal brain anomalies: A prospective multicenter study. Prenat Diagn. 2021;41(8):1023-1032.
Cahill AG, Beigi R, Heine RP, et al. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #56: Management of fetal central nervous system anomalies. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021;225(4):B2-B20.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Abnormal Fetal Central Nervous System Morphology C5706143. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy