Dandy Walker Malformation Associated with Toxoplasmosis Infection in the Second Trimester: a Case Report

Dandy-Walker Malformation (DWM) is a rare congenital brain disorder affecting the cerebellum and posterior fossa, occurring in 1 in 35,000 births. It is characterized by agenesis of the cerebellar vermis, fourth ventricle dilation, and an enlarged posterior fossa. Genetic factors, chromosomal abnormalities, and infections like rubella, CMV, and toxoplasmosis contribute to its etiology. This case describes a 16-year-old pregnant woman whose fetus was diagnosed with Dandy- Walker malformation (DWM) at 23.3 weeks. Prenatal findings included severe intrauterine growth restriction, absence of the cerebellar vermis, dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, and cardiac abnormalities. PCR confirmed Toxoplasma gondii infection. Despite treatment, fetal death occurred at 24 weeks. Karyotype analysis ruled out chromosomal abnormalities, suggesting a rare infectious etiology rather than a genetic cause. This case highlights the importance of prenatal toxoplasmosis screening, as its early detection can suggest an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. It also broadens the understanding of DWM beyond its genetic origin, linking it to parasitic infections, in this case, caused by Toxoplasma gondii.