Abstract: Introduction: Partial agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a rare congenital brain malformation that may remain undetected without detailed prenatal neuroimaging. The “tear drop sign” is a subtle indirect sonographic marker that can raise suspicion for callosal anomalies, even in the absence of other structural abnormalities.
Methods: A routine second-trimester obstetric ultrasound was performed on a 28-year-old pregnant woman at 23 weeks of gestation. The fetal brain showed an unusual configuration of the lateral ventricles, notably a tear drop appearance, prompting further evaluation with targeted neurosonography and color Doppler imaging.
Results: Neurosonographic assessment revealed absence of the posterior body and splenium of the corpus callosum, consistent with partial agenesis. Color Doppler imaging demonstrated an abnormal course of the pericallosal artery, reinforcing the diagnosis. No other intracranial or extracranial anomalies were identified.
Discussion: The tear drop sign represents posterior elongation of the lateral ventricles and is often associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum. In this case, it was the only prenatal clue leading to the diagnosis of partial ACC. Accurate identification of such indirect markers is essential in guiding further imaging, genetic evaluation, and perinatal counseling.
Conclusion: This case highlights the clinical importance of the tear drop sign as a subtle but valuable prenatal marker of partial ACC. Recognizing such signs during routine ultrasound can lead to early diagnosis, timely intervention, and informed parental counseling—even in cases without additional structural abnormalities.
Indexed in Index Copernicus
