title: The ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure in fetal neck masses: a case report and review of the literature.
abstract: Large fetal neck masses can cause airway obstructions with potential fetal demise after delivery. The relationship of the neck mass to airway structures can be defined prenatally with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure can be used to obtain a fetal airway while feto-maternal circulation is preserved to optimise fetal outcome. We present a case in which prenatally a large fetal neck mass was diagnosed on ultrasound and a successful EXIT procedure was performed. A review of the literature is given and the prenatal use of ultrasonography and MRI in case of fetal neck masses is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Maastricht, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ, The, Maastricht, Netherlands.
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Schoot
authors.forename: M J W
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Smets
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kremer
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Manni
authors.forename: A W D
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Gavilanes
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Wilmink
authors.forename: L W E
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: van Heurn
authors.forename: T H M
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Hasaart
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000758:Anesthesia; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013724:Teratoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal