Fetal diffuse lymphangiectasia: Value of ultrasound in prenatal diagnosis

Abstract

Macrocystic lymphatic malformations result from mal-development of the lymphatic system. It usually occurs in the neck and axilla. Lymphatic malformation is present at birth in 50–60% of patients, detected by the age of 2 years in about 80–90% of patients and is undetected till adulthood in 10%. Therefore, cases with prenatal sonographic diagnosis are uncommon. We present an unusual case of macrocystic lymphatic malformations with near involvement of the head, neck, thorax and both upper limbs in a 17-weeks fetus on prenatal ultrasound. We conclude that when diffuse or LMs occur early in utero, prolonging the pregnancy may be fruitless.