BACKGROUND: Fetal lymphangiomas can occur in many different anatomic locations, including the most commonly seen nuchal cystic hygroma. CASE: A fetus at 18 weeks' gestation was found to have a massive right axillary hygroma. The fetal karyotype was normal. Serial ultrasound examinations indicated progressive enlargement, but no hydrops. At 32 weeks' gestation, a left axillary hygroma was also diagnosed. The patient underwent cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis of nuchal cystic hygromas has a high association with karyotypic abnormalities, hydrops, and fetal demise; however, this association may not apply to cystic lymphangiomas at other locations.
BACKGROUND:Fetal lymphangiomas can occur in many different anatomic locations, including the most commonly seen nuchal cystic hygroma. CASE: A fetus at 18 weeks' gestation was found to have a massive right axillary hygroma. The fetal karyotype was normal. Serial ultrasound examinations indicated progressive enlargement, but no hydrops. At 32 weeks' gestation, a left axillary hygroma was also diagnosed. The patient underwent cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis of nuchal cystic hygromas has a high association with karyotypic abnormalities, hydrops, and fetal demise; however, this association may not apply to cystic lymphangiomas at other locations.