CLINICAL COURSE AND OUTCOME OF FETUSES WITH ISOLATED CYSTIC NUCHAL LESIONS AND NORMAL KARYOTYPES DETECTED IN THE FIRST-TRIMESTER

OBJECTIVE: We assessed newborn outcome and infant development in cases of first-trimester fetal cystic nuchal lesion and normal karyotype. S TUDY DESIGN: Information regarding newborn outcomes and infant growth and development was prospectively obtained from 32 consecutive pregnan cies characterized by fetal cystic nuchal lesions detected in the firs t trimester (less than or equal to 13.9 weeks' gestation) and normal k aryotypes. RESULTS: Cystic nuchal lesions spontaneously resolved by th e twentieth gestational week in 31 cases; all 31 infants had normal re sults at newborn examination and demonstrated normal growth and develo pment at 12 months of age. Resolution did not occur in one case; promi nent hygromas were repaired at birth with normal growth and developmen t through 2 1/2 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: In most affected fetuses wi th normal karyotypes, spontaneous resolution will occur with favorable newborn and infant outcomes. However, patients should be counseled th at resolution may not occur or that nonchromosome abnormalities may re sult in a less favorable outcome.