Abstract
Fetal neck masses are rare and may not be apparent during the second trimester fetal anomaly screening scan. It is essential to distinguish the different pathologies as it influences prenatal counseling, antenatal, and postnatal management. Furthermore, some causes may be amenable to in utero treatment. Others have a poor prognosis due to their association with congenital syndromes and aneuploidies. Differentiating the various neck masses and reaching an accurate diagnosis are a challenge. This requires a systematic approach, time and patience, together with an experienced sonographer. Ancillary investigations like karyotyping and magnetic resonance imaging may be used as well. It is important to attain an accurate diagnosis and to follow up the fetus with serial scans as this affects antenatal counselling and prognosis as well as the mode of delivery. Here, we present four cases of fetal neck masses that were seen at our antenatal diagnostic centre and highlight the distinguishing ultrasound features of each. This will enable one to approach the ultrasound diagnosis of fetal neck masses in a methodical and logical manner.
Highlights
E ultrasound is the modality of choice for prenatal screening of fetal anomalies
Distinguishing the different neck masses is important for appropriate antenatal counselling of prognosis, mode of delivery, and postnatal management, all of which have to be planned
For example, cystic hygroma are associated with chromosomal aneuploidies and nonchromosomal syndromes
Summary
E ultrasound is the modality of choice for prenatal screening of fetal anomalies. Fetal neck masses are rare and may be overlooked. Accurate antenatal diagnosis of neck pathology remains a challenge. Distinguishing the different neck masses is important for appropriate antenatal counselling of prognosis, mode of delivery, and postnatal management, all of which have to be planned. For example, cystic hygroma are associated with chromosomal aneuploidies and nonchromosomal syndromes. E commonest fetal neck mass is cystic hygroma [2] and the commonest fetal neck tumour is cervical teratoma. Varying ultrasound features and supplementary investigations, for example, karyotype aid in further diagnosis. We present 4 rarer cases of fetal neck masses that were seen at our antenatal diagnostic centre over the last year (2009-2010) and a diagnostic approach to them
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
