Sacrococcygeal teratomas: prenatal surveillance, growth and pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE

Prenatal surveillance and growth characteristics are evaluated in a cohort of fetuses with sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCT) as part of risk assessment.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 23 fetuses with SCT: prenatal diagnosis, surveillance, delivery, and early postnatal outcome are reported.

RESULTS

Cardiac output failure physiology requires serial evaluation. The size of the SCT determines obstetrical risks and mode of delivery. An SCT growth rate approaching >150 cm(3) per week may be associated with increased perinatal mortality risks. Maternal morbidity is related mainly to polyhydramnios and preterm labor.

CONCLUSIONS

Perinatal mortality is approximately 43%. Maternal-fetal surgery for fetal physiologic deterioration is not frequent, but serial surveillance is required to minimize fetal morbidity/mortality and maternal morbidity. Rapid SCT growth rates may be associated with increased risk of perinatal mortality.