Predictive value of prenatal ultrasound in foetal intraabdominal cystic lesions and evaluation of perinatal outcomes: a single-centre study results

Fetal abdominal cysts: Predicting adverse outcomes

“…Gender distribution of fetal abdominal cysts changes throughout pregnancy: they are more frequent in male fetuses in the second trimester and in female fetuses in the third trimester, which is consistent with other larger studies, such as that by Ozkose et al 7 Husen et al 5 showed cyst regression in the third trimester for 67.9% of cases, which is higher than the figures reported by which is consistent with our findings (two out of eight fetuses were diagnosed in the first trimester). Overall prognosis of these fetuses is poorer than that of those diagnosed in the third trimester, 3 especially if there are other associated abnormalities, 9 which is consistent with our findings (first-trimester diagnosis, male fetuses, and association with other abnormalities as markers of poor prognosis).…”

“…As for intestinal duplication cysts, which are more frequently diagnosed in the second trimester, treatment is surgical, their appearance is not related to gender, and they do not have a poor prognosis, but will require surgery. 7 For cysts diagnosed in the first trimester, it is more difficult to identify the location, although lymphatic or vascular origin is more frequent, which in turn may indicate an association with other pathologies. Interestingly, in two cases diagnosed with a cyst in the first trimester, anorectal atresia was diagnosed postnatally and at the postmortem examination, respectively.…”

“… 1 Intra‐abdominal cysts are usually classified according to fetal gender, gestational age at the time of diagnosis and anatomical location. 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 Cystic formations are generally found on the ovaries, 6 , 7 gastrointestinal tract, 5 , 7 liver, and mesentery or urinary tract. 2 , 3 , 6 , 7 , 8 Of the abdominal abnormalities detected in female fetuses, ovarian cysts are the most common.…”

“… 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 Cystic formations are generally found on the ovaries, 6 , 7 gastrointestinal tract, 5 , 7 liver, and mesentery or urinary tract. 2 , 3 , 6 , 7 , 8 Of the abdominal abnormalities detected in female fetuses, ovarian cysts are the most common. 6 , 7 For this reason, gastrointestinal, 9 renal and genital abnormalities in female fetuses are often misdiagnosed as ovarian cysts.…”

“… 2 , 3 , 6 , 7 , 8 Of the abdominal abnormalities detected in female fetuses, ovarian cysts are the most common. 6 , 7 For this reason, gastrointestinal, 9 renal and genital abnormalities in female fetuses are often misdiagnosed as ovarian cysts. 6 Ultrasound features of the cyst, association with other abnormalities, its location, and its evolution during pregnancy may help to establish the anatomical and functional origin of the cyst, and to predict its postnatal outcome and prognosis.…”