Prenatal MRI in a fetus with a giant neck hemangioma: a case report

Abstract

We report a fetus with a giant neck hemangioma which was examined by MRI in utero. The initial diagnosis was made by ultrasonography. The sonolucent aspect of the mass, together with the presence of pulsating Doppler flow signals, was highly suggestive of a fetal hemangioma. In late pregnancy, fetal MRI revealed the location, size and characteristics of the neck tumor. Following prenatal corticosteroid treatment and premature delivery of the pregnancy due to fetal cardiac failure, the newborn received angiography and coil embolization of the tumor vessels. Despite vigorous treatments, the newborn died 12 h after birth. Evaluation of a fetal neck hemangioma by MRI is recommended late in pregnancy for precise information on the tumor and adjacent organs since the image is valuable for planning optimal perinatal treatment.