Case Report: Prenatal and Postnatal Management for Fetal Bronchogenic Cysts During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: A fetal bronchogenic cyst (BC) is a rare congenital anomaly with an incidence of 0.147–0.238‰. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as a particular situation, hindered pregnant women from receiving periodic prenatal checkups.Case Description: Until 34+6 weeks of gestation, a fetal case of the intrathoracic cyst was found by ultrasound examination. Further, MRI examination confirmed the diagnosis of the congenital mediastinal cystic lesion, probably a BC. Genetic testing was not conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At 38+5 weeks of gestation with maternal COVID-19 testing negative, a live girl was delivered by cesarean section. Five months later, the child underwent bronchocystectomy, and the postoperative pathological lesions confirmed a (right upper mediastinum) BC.Conclusion: Herein, we reported the prenatal and postnatal management for a rare case of the congenital BC by multidisciplinary approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fetal MRI and screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities are especially recommended. This case contributes to the awareness that the COVID-19 pandemic interferes with regular follow-up schedules during pregnancy and may interfere with timely performed additional tests; which leads to more accurate genetic counseling. A combination of multidisciplinary approaches, including radiology, infection control, genetic counseling, obstetrics, and pediatric surgery, is pivotal for managing fetal BC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

High-Risk Preterm Infant Born to a Mother With COVID-19: A Case Report

“…The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about contamination and possible sequelae. According to Cheng et al ( 13 ), social isolation affected medical follow-up, diagnostic, and preventative exams. In Brazil, the pandemic significantly affected the monitoring of pregnant women and children.…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about contamination and possible sequelae. According to Cheng et al (13), social isolation affected medical follow-up, diagnostic, and preventative exams.…”

Perinatal management of enlarged bronchogenic cyst causing hydrops fetalis

“…They typically presents as unilocular mucus field lesions usually arising in the mediastinum or within the pulmonary parenchyma and, less frequently, below or within the diaphragm [ 2 ]. Their prevalence is 1 in 50,000 births, but in most cases antenatal diagnosis can be achieved by 2D ultrasound [ 3 ]. They found not to be associated with chromosomal abnormalities and genetic syndromes.…”