Antenatal hemorrhage in a cervical lymphatic malformation– An unusual presentation

Abstract. Lymphatic malformations in the neck can present as large fetal neck masses causing airway obstructions with potential perinatal demise and can pose a therapeutic challenge. We present a rare case of prenatally diagnosed large fetal neck mass with features of lymphatic malformation with intralesional hemorrhage of uncertain origin. Postnatal evaluation showed a complex cystic-solid lesion eroding through the skin with an open wound that made it clinically hard to differentiate from a teratoma. Given that malignancy could not be completely ruled out, surgery was favored. Final pathology showed a complex lymphatic malformation with intralesional hemorrhage, despite having no associated capillary, venous or arterial malformations.

*Corresponding Author: 

Dr. E. Ferretti, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and The Ottawa General Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada. Tel.: +1 613 737 7600 ext.2461; Fax: +1 613 737 8889; E-mail: eferretti@toh.on.ca.