Prenatal diagnosis and outcome in sacrococcygeal teratomas: a review of cases between 1992 and 1998

A review of sacrococcygeal teratomas diagnosed in the antenatal period in t he West Midlands region over a six year interval is reported. The aim of th e study was to assess the contribution of ultrasound scanning to the manage ment of cases and to determine the outcome of prenatally diagnosed sacrococ cygeal teratomas. A retrospective review of 10 cases was performed to obtai n pregnancy details, ultrasound scan data and outcome information. Two fetu ses were electively aborted. Perinatal mortality was 62.5% in the remaining cases with all stillbirths and neonatal deaths occurring in babies deliver ed preterm (at or before 34 weeks' gestation). Marked increase in tumour si ze (mainly vascular/solid) was observed in five of the fetuses, which was o ften associated with local compression effects and the development of hydro ps. Eight out of 10 cases were delivered vaginally, one following aspiratio n of the large cystic tumour. Three of the four neonates surviving to surge ry underwent successful resection of their benign tumours. As well as guidi ng prognosis, serial ultrasound scans may also allow the mode of delivery t o be planned more effectively. The importance of a multidisciplinary team a pproach to these difficult cases is emphasized. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wil ey & Sons, Ltd.