Prenatal diagnosis of thrombosis of the torcula of Herophilus

Thrombosis of the torcula of Herophilus is a rare disease of unknown etiology. So far about 50 cases have been described in the literature. Ultrasonography is an effective diagnostic method and useful for follow-up. Characteristic sonographic findings include a well-defined triangular anechoic lesion in the occipital region, with echogenic structure inside which is the thrombus. Doppler ultrasound can help to establish the diagnosis more precisely. The prognosis is variable, as most cases have an irrelevant clinical course due to spontaneous resolution of the thrombus, while other cases may experience cerebral atrophy and death. A case of prenatal diagnosis of thrombosis of the torcula of Herophilus is presented.