0439: Cystic Hygroma

Abstract

Lymphangioma, jugular lymphatic obstructive sequence, hygroma colli cysticum. The term hygroma means moist tumor. Cystic hygroma colli are anomalies of the lymphatic system characterized by single or multiple cysts within the soft tissue, usually involving the neck. It contains a clear or cloudy fluid-like lymph. The incidence of cystic hygroma colli is not well defined. Reports range from 1.7:10,000 pregnancies. In the embryo, the lymphatic system drains into the jugular lymphatic sac. A communication between this primitive structure and the jugular vein is formed at 40 days of gestation (conceptional age). Failure of development of this communication results in lymphatic stasis. Dilatation of the lymphatic channels leads to the clinical manifestations of the jugular lymphatic obstructive sequence5. Dilatation of the jugular lymphatic sac leads to the formation of a cystic structure in the cervical region. Over-distention of the jugular lymphatic sacs that are located in both sides of the neck results in the formation of a cystic structure that is usually partitioned by a thick fibrous band corresponding to the nuchal ligament. Cystic hygroma are very frequently associated with chromosomal aberrations and consequently with a wide variety of anatomic defects. Cervical meningocele, cephaloceles, neck tumors, subcutaneous edema, goiter, cystic teratoma and heman-gioma. the mortality rate of cystic hygroma colli with hydrops is 100%. In many cases, intrauterine demise occurs within the first two trimesters of pregnancy. The recurrence risk for aneuploidy is low.