title: Prognosis in fetal cystic hygroma.
abstract: Axillary and lateral cervical fetal cystic hygromas in a fetus with normal karyotype are described. Fetal death at 25 weeks' gestation occurred. A literature review revealed that for cystic hygroma 42% of infants are 45XO, 38% have a normal karyotype, and 18% have trisomies. Prognosis is grim if the karyotype is abnormal or if hydrops or bilateral pleural effusions are present. Survival rate progressively improves with normal karyotype (27%), unilateral pleural effusion (40%), atypical location (56%), and resolution of cystic hygroma (71%). No single feature signifies 100% survival. The overall survival rate for fetal cystic hygroma is 10%. Prognosis remains guarded regardless of all other factors until the fetus reaches 26 weeks' gestation, after which time a 67% chance of ultimate survival can be expected. Only 42% of documented survivors were completely normal at follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.
authors.forename: N G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Kennedy
mesh_terms: D001365:Axilla; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics / Q000401:mortality*; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D008202:Lymphangioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics / Q000401:mortality*; D008297:Male; D009333:Neck; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal