Radiological features of sacrococcygeal teratomas in fetal magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography – a case report

Abstract

PurposeSacrococcygeal teratomas (SCT) can be detected in ultrasonography as early as in the first trimester. Currently, prenatal ultrasonography enables a thorough examination of tumors, but it is not always sufficient. The purpose of this study was to determine the most important features of SCTs in fetal magnetic resonance imaging and to confront them with postnatal computed tomography (CT).Case reportBetween 2009 and 2013, 5 cases of sacrococcygeal teratomas were diagnosed in our hospital using fetal magnetic resonance imaging (3 female and 2 male infants). Three of the affected newborns underwent postnatal CT before surgery. In each case, tumor size, its content, mass effect, and classification according to the Altman’s criteria were determined and compared with other features. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and postnatal CT were in excellent agreement with respect to tumor classification using the aformentioned criteria. MRI better characterizes tumor content and its extent compared to ultrasound, and enables a precise structural assessment of the central nervous system. Postnatal CT is complementary to fetal MRI and optional.ConclusionsFetal MRI may help in the prenatal diagnosis of SCTs as it overcomes the limitations of obstetric ultrasound. Postnatal computed tomography is useful in determining tumor vascularity or calcifications, and it can depict the surrounding bone structures.

A mature cystic teratoma adherent to the vaginal wall: a case report

“…In addition to having better and more obvious soft tissue contrast, MRI also has a high spatial resolution rate and is capable of 360° imaging in any orientation, making it easier to locate ovarian tumors and display their internal structure and composition. 10 The reported detection rate of tumors based on CT is 97.2%, with an accurate diagnosis rate of 66.66% to 88.88%, whereas the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRI detection for pelvic tumors are 78% to 91%, 90% to 93%, and 83% to 100%, respectively. 11 , 12 In the case of some rare tumors, it may thus be better to use MRI or MRI combined with CT for diagnosis and assessment.…”

Sacrococcygeal Teratoma: A Case Report

“…Although ultrasonography has been the imaging modality of choice during pregnancy as it is a safe method, cost-efficient and widely available, it has few limitations such as limited field of view and difficulties in penetrating bones. 13 Therefore, in order to overcome the limitations of the ultrasound, CT and MRI are now used for preoperative examination so as to determine the structure, vascularity, exact location, and components of a tumor and its relationship to the surrounding structures. 14 , 15 The main treatment for sacrococcygeal teratoma is the complete surgical resection.…”

Adult sacrococcygeal teratoma: a retrospective study over eight years at a single institution

“…It is a widely available, cost-efficient, and safe method that allows a real-time examination of the fetus. However, ultrasonography includes a limited field of view and there are difficulties in penetrating bones which result in acoustic shadowing (Firszt et al, 2018). Therefore, to determine the structure, vascularity, exact location, and components of a tumor and its relationship to the surrounding structures, CT and MRI are usually used for preoperative examination because they can overcome the limitations of ultrasound (Saba et al, 2014;Patel et al, 2016).…”