[Early prognostic ultrasonographic indices in pregnancy with fetal cystic hygroma].
OBJECTIVE
Aim of this study was the correlation of same early ultrasonographic signs with fetal karyotype, prognosis of pregnancy and neonatal outcome.


METHODS
Volume of cystic hygroma and presence of septations are correlated with fetal karyotype and an ultrasonographic follow-up was carried out during pregnancy. Details concerning neonatal outcome were recorded at delivery.


METHODS
Diagnosis was performed in 13 patients between 8.3 to 16.5 weeks' gestation referred to our center for prenatal diagnosis or for obstetric reasons.


METHODS
Ultrasonographic examinations were performed using 5.0 and 6.0 MHz endovaginal convex probes.


METHODS
Hygroma was diagnosed as a cystic dilatation in the nuchal region larger than 3 mm in diameter in the anterolateral aspects. The volume was calculated considering the lesion as spherical and using the standard formula for an ellipsoid volume; the presence of septations was considered.


RESULTS
A volume greater than 70 cc3 and the presence of septations demonstrated a strictly correlation with fetal karyotype, evolution of the features, pregnancy and neonatal outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Prognosis varies depending on fetal karyotype, volume, presence of septations and other associated malformations. The volume of the hygroma and the presence of septa are associated with higher incidence of chromosomal diseases and a poorer fetal prognosis.
Rosati
P
P
Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma.
Guariglia
L
L
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018191:Lymphangioma, Cystic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal