Congenital orbital cyst detected and monitored by prenatal ultrasonography

Purpose. High-resolution prenatal ultrasound can allow for early detection and monitoring of many fetal anomalies, including those involving the globe and orbit. We describe a case of a congenital orbital cyst detected and mo nitored by prenatal transvaginal ultrasonography. Methods: After detection of a congenital orbital cyst, serial transvaginal ultrasound examinations were performed through the remainder of the pregnan cy to monitor the growth and development of the fetus and the orbital cyst. Results: A large retrobulbar orbital cyst causing extreme proptosis was det ected at 23 weeks of gestation and monitored through the remainder of the p regnancy. Lack of growth, benign behavior, and appropriate interval fetal g rowth without destruction of adjacent structures was noted. After birth, ea rly surgical intervention allowed for complete surgical excision of the cys t without the need for enucleation or exenteration. Fifteen months after ex cision, the patient wore a scleral shell and had a good cosmetic appearance with good ocular motility. Conclusions: Prenatal ultrasound may allow for early detection of orbital m asses. To our knowledge, this report describes the first case of a congenit al orbital cyst detected and monitored by prenatal ultrasonography.