Objective: To document the incidence, natural history and compare neurodevelopmental outcome of newborns with and without frontal horn cysts (FHC).
Study design: This was a case-control study. Newborns with and without FHC were identified and matched for demographics and worst cranial ultrasound scan (CUS) findings. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at 18 to 24 months.
Result: A total of 30 FHC cases were identified from medical imaging database. Twenty-five cases occurred in preterm 32 weeks gestation with an incidence of 1% (25 of 2340). The diagnosis was made on the initial CUS in 28 cases. The cyst size and number varied from 1 to 18 mm and 1 to 6 respectively with no change noted on repeat CUS during hospital stay. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were not statistically significantly different between the groups.
Conclusion: FHC are not uncommon in the newborn period. They appear to be benign with no impact on neurodevelopmental outcome. This information is vital for counseling parents of infants with FHC.