Fetal Adrenal Haemorrhage – Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Imaging

Abstract

A case of prenatal adrenal haemorrhage first detected by 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional sonography at 27 weeks’ gestation is reported. Ultrasound examination showed a large cystic mass (32 × 27 × 27 mm) in the right suprarenal region of the fetus. Two weeks later, the mass had slightly increased in size demonstrating hyperechoic areas within the cyst. Further serial ultrasound examinations revealed a progressive organisation of the cystic mass associated with a moderate reduction in size. The diagnosis of adrenal haemorrhage was confirmed by postnatal follow-up sonograms as the mass decreased in size from 28 × 21 × 21 mm on day 1 to 23 × 18 × 17 mm on day 42. Course and sonographic signs were typical for adrenal haemorrhage and the neonate was therefore managed without surgical exploration. The child is developing normally at 6 months of age.