title: Cavernous lymphangioma of the face and neck: prenatal diagnosis by three-dimensional ultrasound.
abstract: Cavernous lymphangiomas are characterized by penetration through the subcutaneous areas between the muscular septa and represent rare variants of the more common superficial lymphangioma. Although frequently described in the fetus when involving the posterior aspect of the neck (i.e. cystic hygroma), involvement of the craniofacial region is rare. We describe the prenatal findings in a case of cavernous lymphangioma of the fetal face and neck, which extended caudally to envelop the larynx and the trachea. The anomaly was assessed by two- and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound. The latter approach was used thoroughly both during counseling with the couple and during consultation with the pediatric surgeon. This case report confirms the usefulness of the 3D approach in the management of rare fetal anomalies. In particular, the possibility of navigating the volume facilitated consultation with the pediatric surgeon and counseling of the parents.
authors.affiliation: Fetal Cardiology Unit, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Paladini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vassallo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sglavo
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lapadula
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Longo
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nappi
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008202:Lymphangioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods