Prenatal sonographic features of sacrococcygeal teratoma.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the potential role of ultrasound in prenatal diagnosis of fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT).

SUBJECTS: A total of four fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of SCT were sonographically evaluated and followed-up.

RESULTS: Fetal SCT was diagnosed at 13, 17, 26 and 27 weeks of gestation. Three of them had predominantly solid tumors with scattered cystic areas, whereas the other one had an entirely cystic tumor. One had a rapid growth tumor and finally developed early hydrops. Three had polyhydramnios and delivered prematurely. The diagnosis was posnatally confirmed in all cases. In the case with the large tumor, a cesarean section was done to avoid traumatic delivery. Two cases survived and the tumors were successfully resected, whereas the others died due to heart failure secondary to hydrops in one case and prematurity in the other one.

CONCLUSION: This small series suggests that SCT be readily diagnosed in utero, possibly as early as first trimester. The important clue was an abnormal mass in the sacrococcygeal area. The prenatal diagnosis can contribute to changes in clinical decision.