Outcome of first-trimester fetal abdominal cysts: Cohort study and review of the literature
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to ascertain the outcome of fetuses with an abdominal cyst detected at 11-14 weeks' gestation in our unit and to undertake a review of cases reported in the literature. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included all fetuses found to have an abdominal cyst on ultrasound examination at 11-14 weeks, identified over a 14-year period. Pregnancy management and outcome were ascertained from maternal and neonatal records. We also performed a review of the literature using a systematic search strategy, to identify the outcome of similar cases and propose a management algorithm. RESULTS: Fourteen cases were identified during the study period, of which four had associated abnormalities. Of the 10 isolated cases, the cyst had resolved at follow-up scan in eight (80.0%), one fetus died in utero at 15 weeks' gestation and the other case underwent surgery for a choledochal cyst 9 weeks after birth. An additional 19 cases were reported in the literature. In eight fetuses there were associated structural abnormalities, of which four had a diagnosis of anorectal malformation after birth. In two of these four, the cyst resolved in the second trimester. Of those cases with an isolated cyst (n = 11), the cyst resolved in seven (63.6%). The remainder were variably diagnosed as hepatic cyst, ileal duplication or choledochal cyst. CONCLUSION: Fetal abdominal cysts at 11-14 weeks' gestation are rare. They constitute an isolated finding in the majority of cases and are usually associated with a good perinatal outcome. In view of the reported association with anorectal and other gastrointestinal malformations, perinatal assessment is recommended, even if the cyst resolves during pregnancy.
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While the majority of abdominal cysts resolved antenatally with no remaining consequences for the neonate, four cases with lower abdomen cysts were diagnosed with anorectal malformations postnatally.
“Data from a cohort study showed that while the majority of cysts resolved antenatally, with no remaining consequences for the neonate, four cases with lower abdomen cysts were diagnosed with anorectal malformations postnatally [49].”
From First-Trimester Ultrasound: A Comparative Review of Guidelines (2026) · cites this paper as [49]
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Self-citation
- Authors
- Khalil, A., Cooke, P. C., Mantovani, E., Bhide, A., Papageorghiou, A. T., & Thilaganathan, B.
- Affiliations
- St George's, University of London (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Khalil, A.
- Venue
- Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2014-04
- Volume
- 43
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 413-419
- ISSN
- 0960-7692 (ISSN-L)
- 1469-0705
- OpenAlex
- W1534023096
- Cited by
- 30
- References
- 40
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 3
- FWCI
- 0.29
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Congenital Anomalies and Fetal Surgery
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Fetal and Pediatric Neurological Disorders
- Keywords
- first-trimester ultrasound, anorectal malformation, choledochal cyst, liver cysts, ileal duplication, perinatal outcomes, pregnancy management, prenatal diagnosis
- MeSH terms
- Abdomen, Adult, Cysts, Female, Fetal Diseases, Humans, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Outcome, Pregnancy Trimester, First, Retrospective Studies, Cohort Studies, Ultrasonography, Prenatal, Treatment Outcome
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