Foetal Ovarian Cyst: Case Report

Introduction: Foetal ovarian cysts represent the most common prenatally diagnosed intra-abdominal cystic masses. The incidence of this finding is almost 1:2500births.They are mainly unilateral and can be simple or complicated, based on their parenchymatic composition. Their etiology is unknown but considering that they are usually diagnosed during the third trimester of gestation, the elevated hormonal levels are believed to play a significant role.The basic complications we should be prepared to deal with are torsion and hemorrhage.

Aim: Presentation of a newborn girl with ovarian cyst.

Method: During the ultrasound examination at 32+2weeks of gestation of a primigravida woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy, a simple cystic mass in the right ovary of the foetus was discovered. Its diameter was about d=4.8cm.The obstetrician decided a follow-up prenatal ultrasound control after 4weeks.The examination was repeated at 36+5weeks of gestation and the cyst`s diameter was found to have decreased to d=1,3cm.

Results: A healthy girl at term was born through caesarian section.The perinatal period was uncomplicated. At the age of 3days an abdominal ultrasound was performed. The cystic mass was stable, with a diameter of d=1,5cm and it had characteristics of a simple cyst.As a result follow-up examination was decided for 1month of age. When the newborn was brought in for the new ultrasound, the cyst had fully regressed.

Conclusion: Ovarian cysts are the most common intra-abdominal masses found in female foetuses. Usually they are simple,anechoic with a thin wall.A cyst with a diameter above 5cm is at greater risk of complications,such as torsion, and prenatal cyst aspiration is recommended,although its performance is controversial. Some of the ovarian cysts regress during pregnancy but mainly they tend to disappear postnatally, ranging from 1-16months of age. Serial ultrasound examinations should take place every 4weeks until full regression is noted. The cystectomy is indicated only for complicated cysts,symptomatic,further enlarging or persisting.