Connatal Cyst

Connatal cysts, also known as coarctation of the lateral ventricles and frontal horn cysts, are cystic areas at or just below the superolateral angles of the body or frontal horns of the lateral ventricles anterior to the foramina of Monro. Unlike cystic lesions associated with periventricular leukomalacia, connatal cysts are thought to be due to approximation of the walls of the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles. They occur in less than 1% of low-birth-weight preterm infants and have been reported to resolve on follow-up imaging.

Differential considerations include:

• Subependymal cyst: Located below the superolateral angle of the body of the lateral ventricles posterior to the foramina of Monro.
• Periventricular leukomalacia: Located above the angle of the body or frontal horns of the lateral ventricles.

References

Epelman M, Daneman A, Blaser SI, Ortiz-Neira C, Konen O, Jarrín J, Navarro OM. Differential diagnosis of intracranial cystic lesions at head US: correlation with CT and MR imaging. Radiographics. 2006 Jan-Feb;26(1):173-96.