Ultrasonographic Findings as Prognostic Factor in Fetal Ovarian Cysts / 대한산부인과학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether there was any correlation between sonographic parameters and perinatal course of fetal ovarian cysts. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of cases from July, 1994 through February, 2003. The pre- and postnatal data of 10 fetuses who prenatally diagnosed to have an ovarian cyst, delivered and followed up in our obstetric center were analyzed. Maternal age, gestational age of diagnosis, ovarian cyst location, size, combined anomaly, mode of delivery, changes of ultrasonographic parameters, management of ovarian cysts and pathologic findings were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 10 fetal ovarian cysts were all purely cystic, with well defined margins. Three of 10 cases (30%) showed antenatal sonographic patterns of complicated cysts (2 septa, 1 intraluminal echo) which spontaneously resolved during serial sonographic monitoring. In 2 cases the sonographic findings became complicated postnatally and were operated on revealing dermoid cyst with torsion. Five uncomplicated cysts of 10 cases were spontaneously resolved during perinatal follow-up. In eight cases of ovarian cysts larger than 4 cm, there was only one case which required postnatal surgery. CONCLUSION: There was no single ultrasonographic parameter (internal echoes, septum, character, size) to predict perinatal course of ovarian cysts including spontaneous resolution, torsion and need of operation.