Spontaneous regression of a cystic hygroma: A Case Report

Abstract

Cystic hygroma, caused by defects in the formation of the venolymphatic system, is a common condition in prenatal diagnosis with a prevalence of approximately 1:1000 to 1:6000 live births. It is often associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. According to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, up to 90% of cases diagnosised with cystic hygroma result in fetal demise. At Department of Antenatal Care - Tu Du Hospital, we report a clinical case of live newborn with prenatal diagnosis of cystic hygroma that underwent spontaneous regression during pregnancy, with normal genetic testing resul. At 5 days old, the newborn had normal echocardiography and general examination at the Children’s Hospital 2 revealed no abnomolities. Therefore, cystic hygroma is not an indication for medical termination of pregnancy. The fetus diagnosed with cystic hygroma requires appropriate prenatal counseling, genetic testing to rule out chromosomal abnormalities, and subsequent fetal ultrasound to assess the progression of cystic hygroma and exclude other fetal malformations.