Ultrasound shows ventriculomegaly with dilated occipital horns and a dangling choroid plexus; which diagnosis is most likely?

• A. Hydrocephalus
• B. Microcephaly
• C. Prosencephaly
• D. Encephalocele

Answer: (A)

Ventriculomegaly with dilated occipital horns and a dangling choroid plexus is a pattern strongly pointing to hydrocephalus. When CSF accumulates and the ventricles enlarge, the posterior (occipital) horns can become particularly expanded, and the choroid plexus may appear to stretch into the horn, producing the “dangling” look. This combination reflects increased intraventricular pressure from obstructed or impaired CSF flow, rather than primary brain malformations.

Microcephaly would present with a small head size rather than enlarged ventricles. Prosencephaly involves midline forebrain defects with abnormal hemispheric development. Encephalocele shows a skull defect with herniation of brain tissue or meninges. The described ultrasound signs fit hydrocephalus most closely.