First Trimester Cystic Hygroma : Ultrasonographic Findings and Significance

, Young Hwa

Journal of Korean Society of Medical Ultrasound 1996;15(2): 285-290.

Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chunan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE : To evaluate the ultrasonographic findings and the outcome of the cystic hygroma diagnosed in thefirst trimester of pregnancy. MATERIAL & METHODS : Eleven fetuses with cystic hygroma were found on routineantenatal transvaginal ultrasonography. Nine fetuses had karyotyping. All of the continued pregnancies haddetailed-ultrasonographic follow-up and postnatal physical examination. RESULTS : The thickness of the nuchaltranslucency was 3∼8 mm. Septation was seen in 3 of 11 cases. 10 cases showed nuchal translucency in dorsalaspect and 1 showed lateral extension. Aneuploidy was found in 2 (Trisomy 21, Triploidy XXY) of 9 cases, which was22.2%. Among 7 euploid cases, one was spontaneousely aborted and one was terminated due to cystic hygroma andbilateral polycystic kidney. Nuchal thickening in the second trimester was found in 3 of 7 cases. One of 7delivered cases showed hemangioma in the cheek and 6 case showed normal on physical examnimation. CONCLUSION : Iffetal cystic hygroma is suspected in the first trimester, antenatal karyotyping should be done, anddetailed-ultrasonographic examination and postnatal physical examination should be recommended for possibleassociated anomaly even if the karyotype is normal.

Keywords: Fetus, Cystic hygroma, Ultrasonography, Nuchal translucency, Aneuploidy, First trimester diagnosis