Two Cases of Fetal Giant Lymphangiomas

Chon, Leek Bum; Lee, Sang Hee; Lee, Wee Hyun

Abstract

In this paper, two unusual cases of fetal giant lymphangiomas diagnosed before delivery is reported in 18 and 26-week pregnant woman. They were diagnosed by ultrasound. Although the cause of lymphangioma is not clearly established, they probably arise from a failure of the developing lymphatic tissue to establish normal connection with the draining lymphatics. These anomalies are most often cervical (about 70~80%) but occasionally present in the axilla (about 10%), thorax and abdomen. Lymphangioma arising at posterior nuchal region is called cystic hygroma. Lymphangioma may be divided histologically into three types ; simple, cavernous or cystic. Ultrasound examination is essential method in prenatal diagnosis of fetal lymphangioma. The differential diagnosis of these fetal lymphangioma should include meningomyelocele, benign cystic teratoma, nuchal edema, encephalocele, and subchorial placenta cyst. About 60 to 70% of lymphangioma is accompanied with chromosomal abnormalities, and most common type is Turner's symdrome (40~80%), but occasionally trisomy 21, 18, 13 and 47 XXY. But chromosomal studies of these cases showed normal findings. The 26-week fetus was IUFD at 29 gestational weeks and terminated by hysterotomy. Other 18-week fetus was terminated by vaginal delivery after intrauterine decompression.