A Case of Fetal Axillary Cystic Lymphangioma.

Joo, K W; Jung, J H; Lee, S U; Hahn, K S; Park, Y H

Case Report

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 1997;40(9):2060-2066.
Published online January 1, 2001.

A Case of Fetal Axillary Cystic Lymphangioma.

K W Joo, J H Jung, S U Lee, K S Hahn, Y H Park

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Se Jong General Hospital, Bucheon, Korea.

Abstract

Fetal cystic lymphangioma or Cystic hygroma is a benign, painless, soft, compressible malformation of the lymphatic system appearing as single or multiseptated fluid-filled caviti-es. The term of cystic hygroma is most commnonly used to describe a cystic thickening in the neck region, also called cystic hygroma colli. The head and neck region is the most comm-on place of presentation. They are thought to arise from failure of the lymphatic system to communicate with the venous system in the neck. If such communication fails to develop, the jugular lymphatics and lymphatc sacs dilate, resulting in the formation of cystic hygroma. They often progress to hydrops and cause fetal death. Fetal lymphangiomas can occur in many different anatomic locations. From 75 to 95% of postnatally diagnosed cystic hygromas are found in the neck, and about 20% are located in the axilla. Recently, we have experienced a case of fetal axillary cystic lymphangioma at 36 weeks of gestation observed in 30-year-old multiparous woman, and report that with brief review of related literature.