Prenatal sonographic features of sacrococcygeal teratoma

Objective: To describe the potential role of ultrasound in prenatal diagnos is of fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT). Subjects: A total of four fetuse s with prenatal diagnosis of SCT were sonographically evaluated and followe d-up. Results: Fetal SCT was diagnosed at 13, 17, 26 and 27 weeks of gestat ion. Three of them had predominantly solid tumors with scattered cystic are as, whereas the other one had an entirely cystic tumor. One had a rapid gro wth tumor and finally developed early hydrops, Three had polyhydramnios and delivered prematurely. The diagnosis was posnatally confirmed in all cases . In the case with the large tumor, a cesarean section was done to avoid tr aumatic delivery. Two cases survived and the tumors were successfully resec ted, whereas the others died due to heart failure secondary to hydrops in o ne case and prematurity in the other one. Conclusion: This small series sug gests that SCT be readily diagnosed in utero, possibly as early as first tr imester. The important clue was an abnormal mass in the sacrococcygeal area . The prenatal diagnosis can contribute to changes in clinical decision. (C ) 1999 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.