CYSTIC HYGROMA AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS: ABOUT A CASE

Abstract

The cystic hygroma is the malformation of the lymphatic system that is most frequently observed in the prenatal period and is located mainly in the neck and/or the nape of the neck. Its detection rate has increased since the implementation of fetal nuchal translucency (NT) in the first trimester of pregnancy and its presence has been associated with congenital abnormalities, aneuploidies, pregnancy loss, and developmental disorders. The aim of this case is to highlight the importance of antenatal diagnosis of cystic hygroma in order to perform early intervention and avoid fetal death. It is received, for anatomopathological study, a fetus of undetermined sex product of the first pregnancy of a 19 year-old mother without previous prenatal controls, with the presence of a large cystic mass that extends from the face to the neck. The histological study confirms the diagnosis of cystic hygroma. As there was no karyotype analysis, it was not possible to establish the preexistence of any genetic abnormality. Also known as cystic lymphangioma, is a benign vascular tumor whose antenatal diagnosis by ultrasonography is essential in the evolution and prognosis of the disease. Unfortunately in our case, the lack of prenatal controls and the absence of ultrasonographic studies that would allow knowing the characteristics of this lymphangioma, could significantly impact in the fatal outcome. Key words: lymphangioma; prenatal diagnosis; fetal nuchal translucency.