First AD

Second AD

This 12-week fetus shows a well-known anomaly. What’s your diagnosis?

This fetus shows well-defined subcutaneous cystic areas along the posterior aspect of the neck and along the sides of the neck. A few septations are also present within the cystic lesions. This is characteristic of cystic hygroma, which is essentially a congenital lymphangioma. The presence of a large amount of fluid and septations, as in this case, has a very poor prognosis.

Pregnancy and Birth

News

Challenge your diagnostic skills: Can you identify this well-known anomaly?

Image IQ: The Fetal Neck

Joe Antony, MD