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

Pediatr Radiol. 2001 Oct;31(10):727-31. doi: 10.1007/s002470100527.

Abstract

We present two cases of fetal neck masses that were initially diagnosed by ultrasound and further evaluated with prenatal MRI. MRI findings aided in further delineating the neck masses, increasing confidence in the final diagnosis (cervical teratoma and cystic hygroma). With the fetal airway typically filled with fluid that is of high signal on T2-weighted sequences, MRI images in three planes could identify whether the fetal larynx and trachea were 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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Airway Obstruction / embryology*
  • Airway Obstruction / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Fetal Diseases / surgery
  • Gestational Age
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / complications
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Lymphangioma, Cystic / complications
  • Lymphangioma, Cystic / diagnosis*
  • Lymphangioma, Cystic / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*
  • Teratoma / complications
  • Teratoma / diagnosis*
  • Teratoma / surgery