Connatal cyst in a preterm twin infant with maternal comorbidities

Background Connatal cysts are rare but recognized periventricular cysts that represent anatomic variants and are associated with good neurological outcomes. These cysts can be differentiated from cysts that portend graver prognoses by their location in relation to the ventricles, size, laterality, and temporal resolution. Patient presentation We describe a preterm twin infant born to a mother with diabetes and cardiovascular disease who was found to have connatal cysts on head ultrasound at 3 days of age. These cysts were present again on head ultrasound at 12 days of age and on brain magnetic resonance imaging at 27 days of age. The infant had a normal neurological examination in the neonatal period and on follow-up at 3 and 6 months of age. Repeated head ultrasound at 3 months of age demonstrated near resolution of the cysts. Conclusion Connatal cysts are normal anatomic variants which clinicians should be able to distinguish from similar appearing cysts with less favorable outcomes. Although the etiology of connatal cysts remains unknown, this case raises the possibility of maternal comorbidities or perinatal hypoperfusion playing a role in their formation.