Perinatal outcome and prognostic factors of fetal megacystis diagnosed at 11-14 week's gestation

Prenat Diagn. 2021 Feb;41(3):308-315. doi: 10.1002/pd.5868. Epub 2020 Nov 30.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate aneuploidy rate, prognostic factors, and perinatal outcomes following a diagnosis of fetal megacystis at 11-14 week's gestation.

Methods: A retrospective study of first trimester fetal megacystis from 2010 to 2020 was performed, including ultrasound finding, perinatal outcomes, pathology reports, genetic tests, and neonatal investigations.

Results: A total of 98 cases of first trimester fetal megacystis was identified with an overall aneuploidy rate of 12%. There were 54% live births and 46% fetal losses including spontaneous fetal demise and elective termination. Among the 45 fetal losses, 64% had additional structural abnormalities at index ultrasound and final diagnoses were achievable in 64% cases. Among the 53 livebirths, additional ultrasound abnormalities were detected in only 1 fetus and spontaneous resolution of megacystis was detected in 96% of cases. The two cases where fetal megacystis persisted had major postnatal diagnoses: cloacal malformation and megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome, respectively. Our data showed LBD ≥ 12 mm was the best individual predictor of adverse perinatal outcome and all 11 cases of lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) were diagnosed in fetuses with LBD ≥ 12 mm.

Conclusions: First trimester ultrasound provides important prognostic factors and isolated megacystis <12 mm is associated with a positive outcome.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Duodenum / abnormalities*
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / epidemiology
  • Fetal Diseases / mortality*
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome / epidemiology
  • Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Prognosis*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography / methods
  • Urinary Bladder / abnormalities*

Supplementary concepts

  • Megaduodenum