MRI imaging of fetal neck masses with airway compromise: utility in delivery planning

We present two cases of fetal neck masses that were initially diagnosed by ultrasound and further evaluated with prenatal MRI. MRI findings aided in f urther delineating the neck masses, increasing confidence in the final diag nosis (cervical teratoma and cystic hygroma). With the fetal airway typical ly filled with fluid that is of high signal on T2-weighted sequences, MRI i mages in three planes could identify whether the fetal larynx and trachea w ere partially or completely compressed by the neck tumor. This information was particularly useful in determining if a controlled delivery such as ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) was necessary and aided the surgeons in planning their approach to establishing airway control in the delivery room .