Is Dandy-Walker more common in males or females?

The incidence of Dandy-Walker malformation is 1 case per 25,000-35,000 live births, Dandy-Walker malformation accounts for approximately 1-4% of hydrocephalus cases. The sex incidence of those who have Dandy Walker syndrome is approximately 40% female to 60% male (NORD, 2003).

What causes Dandy Walker syndrome in fetus?

Dandy-Walker malformation most often occurs in people with trisomy 18 (an extra copy of chromosome 18), but can also occur in people with trisomy 13, trisomy 21 , or trisomy 9. This condition can also be associated with missing (deletions ) or copied (duplications ) pieces of certain chromosomes.

What is the prognosis of Dandy Walker syndrome?

Prognosis. The effect of Dandy-Walker Syndrome on intellectual development is variable, with some children having normal cognition and others never achieving normal intellectual development even when the excess fluid buildup is treated early and correctly.

Is Dandy Walker syndrome a birth defect?

The Dandy-Walker malformation is a congenital (present at birth) defect affecting the cerebellum, the back part of the brain that controls movement, behavior and cognitive ability.

Can Dandy Walker syndrome be detected before birth?

Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) is easily seen with obstetrical ultrasound and is usually diagnosed by 20 weeks’ gestation, but has been seen even earlier. The findings on ultrasound consist of a cyst in the cerebellum. There may or may not be other birth defects in the brain or in other organ systems.

Is Dandy-Walker a chromosomal abnormality?

There is a major participation of chromosome 9 in the chromosome abnormalities where Dandy–Walker syndrome is concerned. Sepulveda et al. (2003) conducted diagnostic imaging of nine cases of trisomy 9 and reported that four cases were diagnosed as DWS.

Can Dandy-Walker be diagnosed in utero?

The prenatal sonographic diagnosis of the classic Dandy-Walker malformation is simple, however the definitive diagnosis of Dandy-Walker variant and Mega-cisterna magna is difficult before 18 weeks of gestation.

Is Dandy-Walker treatable?

Children often also have hydrocephalus, when the fluid in the brain can’t drain properly. Symptoms of Dandy-Walker include slow motor development and large head size. Treatment consists of a VP shunt to drain extra fluid and therapies to help children with daily tasks.

How early is Dandy Walker Syndrome diagnosed?

Abstract. Dandy-Walker malformation is one of the major causes of congenital hydrocephalus. We report on a case that was diagnosed by sonography in a fetus at 34 weeks’ gestation. The diagnosis was confirmed by postnatal computed tomographic (CT) brain scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What is Dandy Walker syndrome ultrasound?

True Dandy-Walker malformation (i.e., complete absence of the cerebellar vermis) can be seen early in the pregnancy. By ultrasound, there may be a connection visible between the 4th ventricle and the cisterna magna that resembles a cleft.