title: [Diagnosis of fetal ovarian cysts. Follow-up or differential diagnosis?].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To find better diagnostic and prognostic criteria for the prenatal evaluation of suspected fetal ovarian cysts.
  
  
  METHODS
  13 abdominal tumors were diagnosed sonographically and evaluated. The ultrasound equipment was an Acuson Computer Sonograph XP 128 with 3.5 MHz sector transducer (Acuson) and a realtime-ultrasound machine Sonoline SL 1 with 3 MHz linear transducer (Siemens). Picture documentation was made by Agfa Scopix camera, Sony printer documentation UPS or Panasonic video documentation VHS. If a cyst was aspirated, hormonal concentrations were measured by RIA (Radioimmunoassay). Protein levels electrolytes were also analysed and cytology performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fetal ovarian cysts are rare connatal abdominal tumours of unknown pathogenesis. Typical sonographic findings are cystic structures, partially septated with homogenous inner structures and sharp outer contours. Their ovarian origin is documented by demonstrating high hormonal activity (estrogen, progestin, testosterone). Sonographic structural variations may hint at tissue trauma or a rare fetal teratoma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultrasound guided cyst puncture with fluid analysis is helpful in the differential diagnose of suspected fetal ovarian cysts. This approach will also help avoid obstetric procedures with possible prematurity complications and post-delivery abdominal surgery. Ultrasound can be used for monitor clinically asymptomatic, uncomplicated cysts, both pre- and postnatally to avoid removal of normal ovarian tissue.
authors.affiliation: Universitätsfrauenklinik Frankfurt am Main, Abteilung für Geburtshilfe.
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Born
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kühnert
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Halberstadt
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000151:congenital* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D013724:Teratoma / Q000151:congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014159:Transducers; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014741:Video Recording / Q000295:instrumentation