Fetal neurenteric cyst causing hydrops: Case report and review of the literature

Routine prenatal ultrasound revealed a unilocular cystic mass associated wi th upper thoracic hemivertebrae that grew to 6 cm at 28 weeks and was assoc iated with hydrops. A thoraco-amniotic shunt decompressed the cyst and reso lved the hydrops, but the shunt occluded 17 days later. Preterm labour led to vaginal delivery at 31 2/7 weeks. Postnatally, the cyst was decompressed by thoracentesis due to respiratory distress. Tt was resected on day four of life. Severe tracheobronchomalacia was present post-operatively, presuma bly due to prenatal mass effect of the cyst. At one year of age, the child has recovered completely without adverse respiratory or neurological sequel ae. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.