Retrospective Review of Management of Antenatally Diagnosed Ovarian Cysts at the Hospital for Sick Children

Abstract

IntroductionPostnatal management of antenatally diagnosed ovarian cysts is not well-defined. The clinical course, management, and outcomes of patients with antenatally diagnosed ovarian cysts were reviewed. MethodsInfants <1 year of age with antenatally diagnosed ovarian cyst managed at The Hospital for Sick Children between January 2017 and December 2021 were included. Patient charts were reviewed for postnatal ultrasound (US) images, management, clinical course and complications. Mixed linear regression analysis was used to model the change in cyst size over time. ResultsIn total, 52 patients were included and 10 patients had no cyst identified at their first postnatal US. Of the remaining cases, 36% were simple/physiologic and 64% had complex features. Two underwent percutaneous aspiration while 40 patients were managed expectantly with most cysts (62%) resolving. The rate of resolution was significantly higher and faster for simple compared to complex cysts (84% versus 52%, p < 0.05). Cysts that persisted at the end of the study period (n = 14) had all decreased in size, with a rate of resolution similar to resolved cysts. Only one patient managed expectantly required urgent laparoscopy for salpingoophorectomy. ConclusionAntenatally diagnosed ovarian cysts exhibit high rates of resolution with expectant management, supporting the safety and efficacy for expectant management for these patients. Level of EvidenceIII.