Prenatal Detection of a Sublingual Lymphatic Malformation in a Fetus: A Rare Case

J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2021 Nov;43(11):1288-1291. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.03.021. Epub 2021 May 25.

Abstract

Background: Lymphatic malformations are benign cystic lesions that, while rare, tend to affect the pediatric age group. There are no reported cases diagnosed prenatally.

Case: A 28-year-old G1 woman at 34 weeks gestation was scanned for placental localization at a community ultrasound clinic. A fetal cystic, sublingual structure was identified. The patient was referred to our tertiary care centre, where a small (1.3 cm) avascular, cystic structure under the tongue of the fetus was confirmed. Antenatal course and delivery were unremarkable. The lesion resolved spontaneously with time.

Conclusion: This report highlights a unique case in which a sublingual lymphatic malformation was detected prenatally during a third-trimester ultrasound.

Keywords: cysts; fetus; lymphatic abnormalities; ultrasonography; uranography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Fetus
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Placenta*
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*