Fetal Ventriculomegaly Care in the UAE

Fetal ventriculomegaly in the UAE involves the dilation of the fluid-filled spaces (ventricles) in the fetal brain. It is diagnosed using high-resolution ultrasound and managed at Mediclinic MFM Units (Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Hubs) through detailed neurosonography, fetal MRI correlation, and genetic screening to determine the cause and guide counseling.

Who This Page is For

Customized clinical pathways and insights to support our patients and referring medical partners.

Pregnant Patient

Mothers whose scans show fetal lateral ventricles measuring 10 mm or more.

Referring Doctor

Obstetricians referring cases of suspected fetal ventriculomegaly for detailed brain survey and monitoring.

Abnormal Screening

Mothers seeking confirmation and classification (mild, moderate, or severe) of enlarged fetal ventricles.

Second Opinion

Parents wanting an expert neurosonography review and discussion of long-term developmental outcomes.

When to see MFM

If lateral ventricles measure ≥10 mm on a routine mid-pregnancy scan.
If asymmetric or progressive dilation of the ventricles is noted over serial scans.
When ventriculomegaly is accompanied by other fetal structural markers.

What we do

Perform advanced fetal neurosonography to evaluate brain structures, corpus callosum, and posterior fossa.
Offer fetal karyotyping, microarray, or gene panels to screen for genetic associations.
Coordinate fetal MRI scans and consult with specialized pediatric neuroradiologists.
Monitor ventricular width and head growth via serial ultrasound scans.

What happens during the visit

1

Detailed neurosonographic scan (typically takes 45 minutes) to evaluate brain anatomy.

2

Detailed counseling session discussing severity (mild: 10-12mm, moderate: 13-15mm, severe: >15mm).

3

Discussion of amniocentesis for genetic testing and infectious screening (CMV, toxoplasmosis).

4

Long-term surveillance schedule and pediatric neurology referral planning.

When urgent referral is needed

  • Ventriculomegaly associated with rapid head growth or signs of fetal hydrops.
  • Routine obstetric concerns like leaking of fluid, bleeding, or contractions.

Where the service is available

Available across Mediclinic MFM hubs in Abu Dhabi (Airport Road Hospital) and Al Ain (Al Jowhara Hospital), with referral pathways coordinating care for patients nationwide.

Why Fetus.ae / Mediclinic MFM

MFM consultants trained in advanced fetal neurosonography protocols.
Multidisciplinary coordination with pediatric neurologists, neurosurgeons, and geneticists.
State-of-the-art ultrasound machines providing clear, high-resolution brain imaging.
Compassionate, evidence-based counseling addressing pediatric outcomes and developmental data.

Mediclinic UAE Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit

Appointments & Inquiries

800 2000

Clinical Working Hours

Clinic times vary by location and consultant. Please confirm when booking via 800 2000.

Specialists Available

Fellowship-trained, internationally recognized consultants offering evidence-based precision care.

Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim

Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim

Head of Unit, Consultant Maternal Fetal Medicine

Consultant in Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi with more than 25 years of experience, University of Toronto fellowship training, and Arab and Saudi Board certification in OBGYN.

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Dr. Leanne Bricker MB.BCh FRCOG

Dr. Leanne Bricker MB.BCh FRCOG

Consultant in Fetal & Maternal Medicine

Over three decades of clinical excellence, serving as Chair of Fetal Medicine at Corniche Hospital from 2014-2025.

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Dr. Soha Tohamy Said MB BCH MRCPI, FRCOG

Dr. Soha Tohamy Said MB BCH MRCPI, FRCOG

Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Consultant Maternal Fetal Medicine

Former Department Chair of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Corniche Hospital with immense experience leading tertiary maternity services.

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Dr. Najwa Mohamed El Fky

Dr. Najwa Mohamed El Fky

Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist with extensive experience in high-risk obstetrics, prenatal diagnosis, and obstetric ultrasound.

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Dr. Bernard Nasr

Dr. Bernard Nasr

Consultant Obstetrics/Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine

French-trained MFM expert proficient in invasive therapeutic procedures and multiple pregnancy complications.

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Dr. Marija Hadji Lega

Dr. Marija Hadji Lega

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, Associate Professor

Internationally trained specialist with 25+ years of clinical experience, renowned for advanced fetal neurology and cardiology.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical answers directly from our specialists to help prepare you for your appointment.

Ventriculomegaly is a condition where the fluid-filled ventricles in the fetal brain are larger than normal, defined as measuring 10 mm or more in width.

It is classified based on the width of the atrium of the lateral ventricles: Mild is 10–12 mm, Moderate is 13–15 mm, and Severe is greater than 15 mm.

Causes include normal variations, genetic conditions (chromosomal abnormalities), congenital infections, brain abnormalities, or vascular accidents.

Yes. Amniocentesis is strongly offered to rule out underlying genetic causes (using chromosomal microarray) and congenital infections like CMV.

The prognosis for isolated mild ventriculomegaly (no other abnormalities, normal genetic testing) is generally very good, with normal development in over 90% of cases.

Getting Here & Access

Our two hubs cover the country: Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital in Al Ain. Patients from Dubai (about 60–75 minutes on the E11), Sharjah, Ajman and the Northern Emirates typically attend the Abu Dhabi hub, while Al Ain and Eastern Region families are seen locally. Referrals are coordinated so travel is minimised and, wherever possible, imaging, counselling and any procedure are grouped into as few visits as possible.

Insurance & Coverage

Across both hubs we work with major UAE insurers including Daman (Thiqa and Enhanced), ADNIC, Nextcare, NAS and other networks. Coverage and pre-authorisation vary by plan and emirate, so our team confirms eligibility and arranges approvals before you travel. Self-pay packages are available nationwide.

Areas We Serve

Abu DhabiDubaiSharjahAl AinAjmanRas Al KhaimahFujairahUmm Al QuwainWestern RegionEastern Region

Book a Clinical Consultation

Our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists provide evidence-based assessment, clear counselling, and coordinated care.

Medical Content Reviewed by: Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim (MFM Director)
Last updated: August 2026