Neurenteric cyst: antenatal diagnosis by ultrasound.

The antenatal diagnosis of a thoracic neurenteric cyst with vertebral abnormality during routine ultrasound is described here. The diagnosis was made at 34 weeks gestation but with hindsight, the abnormality was visible on the 18-week scan. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first recorded instance of the antenatal demonstration of a neurenteric cyst with a vertebral anomaly. With modern high-resolution machines it is possible to detect the abnormality at as early as 18 weeks gestation. As a result of early diagnosis, the mother could be counselled and both the mother and the obstetrician could be better prepared to manage the pregnancy and take early remedial action before the onset of complications, to obtain the best possible outcome for all concerned.