Spontaneous Resolution of Cystic Hygroma and Hydrops in a Fetus with Noonan's Syndrome

Many studies have shown that the prognosis of cystic hygroma associated with hydrops fetalis is poor. We report a rare case of fetal cystic hygroma and hydrops fetalis that spontaneously resolved with subsequent delivery at 37 weeks of a living female infant with Noonan's syndrome. The prognostic significance of prenatal resolution of cystic hygroma and hydrops is uncertain. Serial evaluation of affected fetuses with ultrasound imaging may help clarify pathogenesis of cystic hygroma with associated hydrops, as well as mechanisms underlying spontaneous resolution. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel