The unpredictable clinical course of an abdominal cyst diagnosed in the prenatal period: A case report

Case Rep Womens Health. 2023 Nov 28:40:e00568. doi: 10.1016/j.crwh.2023.e00568. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Enteric duplication cysts are rare congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract. Prenatal diagnosis can be achieved through ultrasound, which may reveal a cystic mass, though the differential diagnosis is broad. We report a case in which the prenatal ultrasound detection of an abdominal cystic mass prompted postnatal magnetic resonance imaging, leading to the diagnosis of an enteric duplication cyst. At 6 weeks of age, the infant developed an obstruction of the small bowel, requiring urgent surgical intervention. This case underscores the difficulties in differentiating abdominal cysts prenatally. Thorough prenatal and neonatal follow-up is crucial, and postnatal magnetic resonance imaging is sometimes essential for accurate diagnosis. The clinical course can be unpredictable, and complications that may arise could necessitate urgent surgical treatment.

Keywords: Case report; Congenital anomalies; Enteric duplication cyst; Magnetic resonance imaging; Prenatal diagnosis; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports