For Physicians. By Physicians.™
For Physicians. By Physicians.™
Cystic hygroma is a large single or multilocular fluid-filled cavity located in the nuchal region, behind and around the fetal neck, which can extend the length of the fetus and can be seen on fetal ultrasound. Cystic hygroma differs from nuchal translucency (NT). NT is a fluid-filled space normally seen behind the fetal neck on ultrasound performed in the first trimester. Unlike cystic hygroma, NT is a normal structure where size measurement is used as a risk factor for genetic disorders. A thick NT measurement is associated with aneuploidy and other structural anomalies.
A cystic hygroma is an anomaly of the vascular-lymphatic system formation. Failed venous-to-lymphatic connections lead to distended fluid-filled spaces and visualization of septations which may extend along the length of the fetal axis. A cystic hygroma can be seen as early as an 11-week ultrasound. Later in pregnancy, cysts may be seen on either side of the fetal neck, with a nuchal ligament running between the two structures. Aneuploidy is present in 50% of cases. There is a high rate of intrauterine fetal demise especially if hydrops is seen. However, 10 to 20% may resolve in utero in euploid fetuses.
ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 162: Prenatal Diagnostic Testing for Genetic Disorders
ACOG Practice Bulletin 226: Screening for Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities
First trimester cystic hygroma: does early detection matter?
Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist Locator-SMFM
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