Fetal Abdominal Cysts

What are the signs and symptoms of fetal abdominal cysts?

Doctors may see fetal abdominal cysts in a routine ultrasound during pregnancy. Cysts typically appear as hollow, round or oval structures in an ultrasound. If large, they may compress nearby organs, such as the intestines.

If fetal abdominal cysts go undetected during pregnancy, signs that appear in newborns include:

• Crying or fussiness because of pain
• Difficulty breathing if the cyst is large and compresses the diaphragm, preventing the lungs from expanding enough
• Difficulty feeding
• Difficulty passing urine and feces (stool)
• Jaundice (yellowish color in the eyes and skin)
• Soft mass in the baby’s abdomen
• Vomiting

How do you diagnose fetal abdominal cysts?

When a prenatal ultrasound shows a fetal abdominal cyst, you’ll have additional imaging during pregnancy. We use imaging to determine the origin of the cyst, look for possible related problems and rule out or detect other conditions. Imaging for fetal abdominal cysts may include:

• Fetal ultrasound: A more targeted ultrasound provides a closer look at the cyst.
• Fetal MRI: This imaging procedure uses powerful magnet technology to produce detailed images of the cyst’s location.

If the cyst isn’t found until after your baby is born, our doctors diagnose it with:

• A physical exam
• X-rays of your baby’s abdomen to check for signs of obstruction in the intestines
• Genetic testing, as appropriate, on a small sample of your baby’s blood

How are fetal abdominal cysts treated?

Most fetal abdominal cysts don’t need treatment before your baby is born. Sometimes they go away before birth. Otherwise, treatment can often wait until after birth.

Rarely, a cyst may need treatment before birth. Our fetal specialists perform a minimally invasive procedure to drain it. We use ultrasound to guide a needle through your abdomen into the cyst in your baby’s abdomen. We remove the fluid inside the cyst with a syringe.

After your baby is born, treatment options for abdominal cysts vary depending on the organ involved, the cyst’s size and whether it’s causing symptoms. Depending on your baby’s specific needs, treatment may include:

• Ultrasound monitoring determines whether the cyst is growing or going away on its own.
• Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy) removes large cysts, using several tiny incisions, a scope (narrow, flexible tube with a light and camera) and special instruments.
• Drain placement removes fluid from the cyst. Sometimes doctors also remove part of the cyst wall to help prevent it from filling up again.

Why choose Children’s Colorado for treatment of fetal abdominal cysts?

Learning that your baby may have fetal abdominal cysts may be upsetting, especially if there are other health problems. The Colorado Fetal Care Center offers the latest advances in treatment and care for babies with fetal abdominal cysts. Our team will monitor your baby and make sure they receive the best care for their unique needs.

Because our fetal care specialists are among the most experienced in the country, they can ensure that you and your baby are as healthy as possible. Read more about our fetal specialists and surgeons and their teams, who will help your family through this journey to a healthy delivery.

Make an appointment

To make an appointment at The Colorado Fetal Care Center, please call us at 720-777-4463.

What is the long-term outcome for fetal abdominal cysts?

In most cases, babies receive evaluation or treatment shortly after birth and have few long-term consequences.

Could I have another child with fetal abdominal cysts?

Most types of fetal abdominal cysts don’t occur in siblings or other family members. Rarely, choledochal cysts can occur in more than one family member.