title: Fetal magnetic resonance imaging of lymphangiomas.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the fetal magnetic resonance imaging findings of lymphangiomas.
  
  
  METHODS
  The magnetic resonance scans of eight fetuses with lymphangiomas were evaluated. Magnetic resonance evaluation included: number; size; signal intensities of the lesions; thickness of the septae; configuration of the margins; presence of blood breakdown products; change in size or signal intensity (in four patients with multiple examinations); exact expansion of the lesions to the adjacent anatomical structures; and concomitant pathological findings. Results were compared with postpartum clinical assessment and imaging in seven patients and with autopsy in one patient.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two retroperitoneal, three thoracic, and three cervical lymphangiomas (diameters between 3.3 and 15.6 cm) were included. All lesions consisted of macrocysts, and additional microcystic parts were found in three lymphangiomas. Blood breakdown products were found in one lesion. Agreement with postpartum imaging was excellent. One patient received intrauterine drainage for chylothorax, and one pregnancy was terminated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fetal lymphangiomas display the same magnetic resonance imaging features as postnatal lymphangiomas. Intrauterine magnetic resonance characterization of lymphangiomas provides the exact delineation, detection of associated and/or concomitant pathologies, and differential diagnosis among other cystic pathologies. Patient management may be altered with respect to the type and/or time of treatment, and with regard to the continuation or termination of pregnancy.
authors: Department of Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, WaehringerGuertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. claus.koelblinger@meduniwien.ac.at
authors: Claus
authors: C
authors: Koelblinger
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Herold
authors: Stefan
authors: S
authors: Nemec
authors: Vanessa
authors: V
authors: Berger-Kulemann
authors: Peter C
authors: PC
authors: Brugger
authors: Anke
authors: A
authors: Koller
authors: Ursula
authors: U
authors: Tonnhofer
authors: Dieter
authors: D
authors: Bettelheim
authors: Daniela
authors: D
authors: Prayer
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008202:Lymphangioma / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D012186:Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy