Spontaneous Resolution of a Cystic Neck Mass in a Fetus with Normal Karyotype

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

A 30-year-old woman, gravida 9, para 1

Clinical Characteristics

Prenatal sonographic detection of nuchal cystic hygromas, bulging membrane with a central septum on the posterior aspect of the neck of twin b, the calvaria and cervical spine were intact, and there was no evidence for fetal hydrops, a cystic neck mass in twin b, normal 46, xy chromosomal patterns in both twins, the mass had decreased in prominence, the soft tissues in the nuchal region remained somewhat prominent, two healthy, morphologically normal twins were delivered by cesarean section at term, both with normal appearing necks, without evidence of webbing or masses

Remission Characteristics

Repeat sonography at 18 weeks again showed the mass, but it had decreased in prominence. Follow-up scans at 22 and 27 weeks no longer revealed a cystic neck lesion

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Not discussed

Clinical Treatment

Obstetric sonography, follow-up sonography at 14 weeks, a third sonographic examination at 16 weeks, performed in conjunction with amniocentesis, repeat sonography at 18 weeks, follow-up scans at 22 and 27 weeks

Additional Notes

This case demonstrates that in the absence of fetal hydrops, in utero detection of a nuchal cystic hygroma does not necessarily indicate an unfavorable prognosis, but occasionally can be associated with a normal clinical outcome.