The prenatal diagnosis and outcome of fetal intra-abdominal cysts

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the ultrasound findings and perinatal outcome after prenatal diagnosis of fetal abdominal cysts.

Methods

Fetuses diagnosed with abdominal cysts between 2008 and 2013 were retrospectively analysed. Cysts arising from renal system and bowel dilatation were excluded. We described maternal, fetal and perinatal variables for all cases

Results

Eighteen fetuses that are 3 males (16,7%), 15 females (83,3%) with fetal abdominal cyst were diagnosed. The mean gestational age at diagnosis of a fetal abdominal cyst was 26,78±6,75 weeks. The mean diameter of fetal abdominal cyst was 39,81±20,47 mm at diagnosis. There were 15 liveborn cases and two intrauterine deaths. One case was terminated due to multiple anomalies. Fetal abdominal cyst was resolved in four cases during antenatal period. Surgery was required in six cases (40%). Overall spontaneous mortality was 3/17 (17,7%), of which two cases were intrauterine and one case was postoperative.

Conclusion

Ultrasound is not sufficient to detect the origin of fetal abdominal cysts. But the apperance and location of the cyst, fetal gender, presence of peristaltism in the cyst, presence of thick muscular wall and additional fetal anomalies are important of the diagnosis and pre-postnatal management of the cyst.

Keywords

Fetal abdominal cyst, ultrasound

	File/Dsecription
	Figure 1 The appearance of uniloculated simple cyst without septa and solid component
	Figure 2 The appearance of biloculated cyst with septa and adjacent two cysts
	Figure 3 The appearance of multiloculated-complex cyst with multiple septas