Prenatal diagnosis of cervical masses by magnetic resonance imaging and 3D virtual models: perinatal and long-term follow-up outcomes

Abstract

Objective: To assess perinatal and long-term follow-up outcomes of fetal cervical masses diagnosed by three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3D virtual models.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 15 pregnant women (age, 21–38 years) at 29–40 weeks of singleton gestation, whose fetuses exhibited congenital oral and cervical masses. These women were referred to our facility because of suspected fetal malformations on routine obstetric ultrasound, and the cases were confirmed, excluded, or complemented by MRI. Demographic data and perinatal and long-term follow-up outcomes were assessed.

Results: Cervical masses were predominant in females (3:2), and the most frequent diagnosis was lymphatic–venous malformation (71%). The masses were cystic in 53.3% of the cases and solid in 46.7%. The esophagus and trachea were displaced in 46.6% of the cases. Associated malformations were diagnosed in 13.3% of the cases. There was complete agreement between prenatal MRI and postnatal diagnoses. Among the newborns, 40% had complications and 46.6% were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Two infants died from complications due to epignathus. Surgical resection was performed in 33.3% of the cases, including complete resection in 26.6%. Sclerotherapy was administered to 53.3% of the cases, with complete remission achieved in 50% of these cases.

Conclusion: Cervical masses diagnosed in the prenatal period had good postnatal outcomes except for cases of epignathus, which were associated with high mortality. MRI demonstrated the relationship between cervical masses and adjacent organs and allowed 3D virtual reconstruction of the airways. There was complete agreement between the prenatal diagnosis of cervical masses on MRI and postnatal diagnosis. Surgical treatment was effective in most cases, and sclerotherapy was satisfactory in cases with intrathoracic components.

Keywords:

• Cervical masses
• long-term follow-up
• magnetic resonance imaging
• perinatal outcomes
• prenatal diagnosis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).