Significance of Early Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Hepatic Cyst

Purpose. To summarize our experience of early prenatal diagnosis of fetal hepatic cysts. Method. We reviewed all cases of fetal hepatic cyst detected in our institution between 13 and 17 weeks' gestation over the last 20 years. All scans were initially performed transvaginally to improve image quality. Most of the scans were performed as a routine fetal anatomy scan in a low-risk population. Results. Seven fetal hepatic cysts were detected out of 54,500 fetal anatomy scans performed between 13 and 17 weeks' gestation. Five peripheral cysts measuring 3-5 mm disappeared during the follow-up period, between 18 and 24 weeks' gestation. Two hilar cysts appeared on sonography as choledochal cysts; one disappeared at 22 weeks' gestation, and the other diminished in size during the postnatal follow-up. Conclusion. Based on our experience, when hepatic cysts are diagnosed during an early fetal anatomy scan, disappearance of these cysts can be expected, especially when the cysts are initially small and peripheral. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 37:65-68, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/jcu.20510