Sclerotherapy for cervical cystic lymphatic malformations in children. Our experience with computed tomography-guided 98% sterile ethanol insertion and a review of the literature

Ethanol Ablation of Ranulas and Risk Factor Analysis for Recurrence

Importance

Ethanol ablation (EA) was shown to be safe and effective for treating ranula, but few studies have assessed long-term outcomes and recurrence of ranula after EA.

Objective

To evaluate the long-term outcomes and the risk factors for recurrence and receipt of subsequent surgery in patients who underwent treatment with EA for ranula.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case-series study was conducted at a single tertiary hospital and assessed patients who were treated with EA between July 2009 and March 2021. Among 70 consecutive patients, those with follow-up loss or who were followed up for less than 24 months were excluded.

Exposures

EA for ranula.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was recurrence at last follow-up after single or multiple EA sessions. Secondary outcomes included receipt of subsequent surgery and the recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate after initial EA. Factors possibly associated with outcomes included patient age and sex; ranula site, type, diameter, volume, and echogenicity; the presentation-to-EA interval; parapharyngeal space extension; and sublingual gland herniation. Risk factors were identified on logistic regression analyses. Two-year RFS rates were analyzed for the initial cohort using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank tests.

Results

A total of 57 patients (mean [SD] age, 26.4 [12.1] years; 24 female individuals [42%]) who were followed up for a median of 57 months (range, 24-167 months) were included. The recurrence rate was 33% (n = 19), and 11 (19%) underwent subsequent surgery. Among patients with recurrence, 86% (31 of 36) experienced first recurrence within 12 months after initial EA. A presentation-to-EA interval of 12 months or longer was associated with an increased risk of recurrence (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.74; 95% CI, 1.01-13.82). No risk factors were significantly associated with subsequent surgery (highest OR in parapharyngeal space extension: adjusted OR, 4.96; 95% CI, 0.94-26.35). Among the initial cohort of 70 patients, 2-year RFS was lower in a maximum diameter of ranula of 5 cm or greater than less than 5 cm (24% [95% CI, 7%-41%] vs 50% [95% CI, 34%-66%]; difference, 26% [95% CI, -4% to 56%]; log-rank test, P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

This case-series study found that the recurrence rate of ranula after EA was 33%. A presentation-to-EA interval of 12 months or longer may be a risk factor for recurrence, suggesting that early intervention with EA might minimize recurrence. Most first recurrences occurred within 12 months after EA, with a maximum diameter of ranula of 5 cm or greater being a possible risk factor.

Role of Bleomycin Sclerotherapy as a Non-surgical Method for the Treatment of Cystic Hygroma of Head and Neck Region-an Institutional Study

Cystic hygroma is a benign congenital tumor of lymphatic origin. Most common location is head and neck region. Bleomycin is an antineoplastic glycopeptide antibiotic agent with sclerosing property. In our present study, we used bleomycin for intralesional sclerotherapy for cystic hygromas of head neck region, as an alternative to surgical excision. We also statistically analyzed the pattern of cystic hygroma in head and neck region. Our present study was a prospective observational study of 40 patients. The study period was 18 months. All patients were given intralesional bleomycin at the dose of 0.5 mg /kg body weight, not exceeding 10 units at a time. The injection was repeated if required, at an interval of 4 weeks up to 4-5 times. Each patient was followed up at regular interval up to 1 year. Most common age group was found to be between 0-7 years (55%). Mean age was 6.9 years. Posterior triangle of neck was the commonest site (35%). Excellent response was noted in 24 patients (60%) while good response was noticed in 11 patients (27.5%). Poor response in 5 patients (12.5%). No major side effects noted with bleomycin sclerotherapy. No recurrence was noticed in our study. Intralesional bleomycin is a safe, simple, relatively cheaper and effective nonsurgical treatment method for cystic hygroma of head and neck region. It can be used as a first line treatment modality. Still, a lot of research is needed to establish it as a gold standard treatment modality for cystic hygroma.

Sclerosing agents in the management of lymphatic malformations in children: A systematic review

PURPOSE

Sclerotherapy is frequently employed in treating lymphatic malformations (LMs), and multiple agents, practitioners and strategies exist. This review investigates the reported efficacy and safety of sclerosants in the pediatric population.

METHODS

Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, multiple databases were queried without linguistic or temporal restriction. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 0-18 exclusively receiving injection sclerotherapy for the treatment of LMs with follow-up data. Data abstracted included agent, dose, anatomic site and key outcome measures including complications (major/minor) and resolution rates (>95% reduction in volume). Critical appraisal was undertaken using the MINORS tool.

RESULTS

Forty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria with a mean MINORS score of 0.65 ± 0.08. Included studies yielded 886 patients, across nearly 30 years. The overall observed rate of success was 89%, with variable follow-up across publications (6 weeks - 10 years). Most reported LMs were macrocystic (82%) and had a higher resolution rate than mixed/microcytic variants (89%, 71%, 34%, p<0.01) For head/neck LMs, rates of complete regression for OK-432, bleomycin, and doxycycline were 67% ± 27% (n = 26), 91% ± 53% (n = 34) and 85% ± 16% (n = 52) respectively. Major complications were most commonly reported with OK-432, including airway compromise or subsequent operation.

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric patients treated for LM by sclerotherapy, complication rates were low. Macrocystic lesions respond well but success rates were modest at best for microcystic disease. Differences in agent utilization were noted between high and low resourced contexts; despite its lack of federal approval, OK-432 was the most reported agent. Further prospective research is warranted. LOE: 3a.

Complex lymphatic malformations in pediatrics: a review of treatment options

INTRODUCTION

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are low-flow lesions resulting from abnormalities in the development of lymphatics. The management of these lesions is complex and involve the collaboration of many specialties. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the different therapeutic options used in complex lymphatic malformations, analyzing their indications, efficacy and complications.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A search was made using the algorithm: "(lymphatic abnormality OR lymphatic malformation OR lymphangioma OR cystic hygroma) AND (extensive OR giant OR complex) AND (therapeutics OR treatment) AND (child OR children)". Of the 120 articles found, 53 were included.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Historically, surgery was the treatment of choice for this type of lesions. However, excision was often incomplete, associated with high rates of recurrence and severe complications. The use of sclerotherapy emerged as a minimal invasive option appropriate in selected cases as a single or adjuvant therapy. Inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin, such as sirolimus, now play a central role in the treatment of complex malformations resistant to sclerotherapy, recurrent after surgery or more extensive malformations that affect vital structures. Other therapeutic options as sildenafil and laser ablation are also recognized as effective in selected cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Looking through the literature over the last decade authors realize that surgery had gradually been replaced by less invasive options such as sirolimus with or without adjuvant sclerotherapy. In conclusion, each treatment option seems to have its own indications and characteristics, which must be considered in therapeutic decision and individualized for each patient.

Musculoskeletal Interventional Radiology in the Pediatric Population: State of the Art

Interventional radiology procedures have been proven to be as effective as traditional surgery but usually are characterized by lower morbidity rates. In this article, the most diffuse IR treatments for pediatric lesions are reviewed with the aim of describing main advantages and drawbacks. Ablation procedures (in particular RFA and MRgFUS) are widely used for the management of osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma whereas intracystic injection of methylprednisolone acetate is performed for simple bone cysts. Sclerosing agents and where possible, selective arterial embolization are used for treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts and other vascular malformations. In the management of malignant muscoloskeletal tumors, the role interventional radiology is mainly represented by percutaneous biopsies, and by adiuvant selective embolizations in presence of hypervascular lesions to be submitted to surgery.

[Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive diagnostics and treatment in the head and neck area]

Tumoral lesions in the head and neck region represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in otorhinolaryngologic routine. High-resolution ultrasound is usually able to guide diagnosis. Nevertheless, a definite differentiation between benign and malignant lesions can only be achieved by tissue biopsy. The various options for obtaining samples for histopathological or cytological examination-from minimally invasive ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy to punch biopsy and open surgical biopsy-will be discussed in the first part along with the associated advantages and disadvantages. In the second part of this CME article, minimally invasive ultrasound-guided therapeutic options in the head and neck region which can be performed on an outpatient basis are depicted.

Lymphatic malformations in children: treatment outcomes of sclerotherapy in a large cohort

This retrospective study examines the outcomes of sclerotherapy in children with (veno)lymphatic malformations who received sclerotherapy between 2011 and 2016 (116 children, 234 procedures). Complication severity was classified using the Society of Interventional Radiology classification. Clinical response was rated on a scale of 0 (no change) to 3 (good improvement). The sclerosants used were bleomycin (n = 132; 56%), lauromacrogol (n = 42; 18%), doxycycline (n = 15; 6%), ethanol (n = 12; 5%), or a combination (n = 33; 14%). Four major and 25 minor complications occurred without significant differences between the agents. The median response rate per procedure was 2-some improvement-for all sclerosants. However, in pure LMs (67%), bleomycin and a combination of agents resulted in the best clinical response. On patient level, all had some or good clinical response. Mixed macrocystic and microcystic lesions showed a significantly lower clinical response (median 2 versus 3; p = 0.023 and p = 0.036, respectively) and required significantly more procedures (median 2 versus 1; p = 0.043 and p = 0.044, respectively) compared with lesions with one component.Conclusion: Sclerotherapy for (V)LMs in children is safe and effective. Bleomycin is the most frequently used agent in this clinic and seemed most effective for pure LMs. Mixed macrocystic and microcystic lesions are most difficult to treat effectively. What is Known: • A variety of agents can be used for sclerotherapy of lymphatic malformations in children. • Macrocystic lesions have favorable outcomes compared with microcystic and mixed lesions. What is New: • Bleomycin and a combination of agents seem to be most effective to treat lymphatic malformations in children. • Mixed macrocystic and microcystic lesions are more difficult to treat effectively compared with lesions with either one of these components.

An Unusual Presentation of Idiopathic Lymphatic Cyst of the Thigh

Lymphatic cyst is a collection of lymphatic fluid with an epithelial lining which can either represent lymphatic malformations or may occur after trauma or operation. Idiopathic lymphatic cyst of the thigh in adulthood is extremely rare. We report a case of a 27-year-old Thai female presented with a rapidly growing mass over her right thigh. The magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrated a well-defined, thin rim, enhancing simple cyst. The cyst disappeared for a few days after aspiration. Completed surgical resection was performed for definitive diagnosis and treatment. Immunohistochemical studies revealed the cell lining was positive for CD34, CD31, and D2-40 and negative for calretinin. To our best knowledge, idiopathic lymphatic cyst of the thigh in young adult has never been reported and should be kept in mind in the patient who presents with abnormal thigh mass.

Percutaneous Lauromacrogol Foam Sclerotherapy for the Treatment of Acute Airway Compression Caused by Lymphatic Malformations in Infants

Management of LMs still remains a challenge especially for those suffering from complications such as acute airway compression. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of percutaneous lauromacrogol foam sclerotherapy for the patients with acute airway compression caused by lymphatic malformations (LMs) in infants. Five cases of infants with acute airway compression caused by LMs were treated with lauromacrogol foam sclerotherapy in the radiology department from February 2013 to August 2015 at Wuhan Medical and Healthcare Center for Women and Children, China. By CT examination and the DSA imaging, LMs were diagnosed and progressed cervical and sublingual LMs combined with hemorrhages were observed and suppression of the trachea was noticed as well, resulting in the difficulty with breathing and feeding. For all the patients, we extracted most cyst liquid from the LMs to reduce the surface tension and alleviate the respiratory pressure symptoms under the guidance of ultrasound. Subsequently, the lauromacrogol foam was injected percutaneously into the cyst of LMs. The dose of the agent was determined according to the size of the LMs, which was 3-8 ml in our study. After treatment, autonomous respiration and independent eating were observed. When the procedures were completed after 16 cycles, the cyst cavity became atrophic and then nearly vanished. During the follow-up period (a minimum of three months and a maximum of two years), 4 patients were clinically proved to be cured and one patient was significantly improved. There was no recurrence, serious complications, or adverse reactions. Our study demonstrated that percutaneous sclerotherapy combined with lauromacrogol foam is a safe, effective therapy for acute airway compression caused by LMs, especially giving a good cosmetic result.

Cystic Lymphangioma of the Chest Wall in a 5-Year-Old Male Patient: A Rare and Atypical Localization-A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Lymphangioma is a benign congenital malformation. The extremely rare and atypical localization of a lymphangioma in the chest wall was the real motive for the present case study. A 5-year-old boy was admitted to the Emergency Department of the 1st Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, due to the presence of a mildly painful swelling in the left lateral chest wall, which was first noticed three months ago, after a blunt injury during sport. Physical examination revealed the presence of a palpable, spherical, painful, nut-sized subcutaneous lesion in the left lateral chest wall, respectively, with the anterior axillary line, at the height of the 6th to 7th intercostal space. Presence of ecchymosis on the overlying skin was also noticed. During palpation, we did not notice fluctuation, while transillumination was not feasible. Performance of ultrasonography, including Doppler color flow imaging, followed, depicting a subcutaneous cystic lesion, 2.1⁎3.2 cm in dimensions, without extension to the thoracic cavity. Scheduled surgical excision of the lesion was decided. Histopathological examination documented the diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma. Patient is still followed up on a 6-month basis. He remains asymptomatic, after 2 years, without indication of relapse.

Successful sclerotherapy of a recurrent, benign parotid cyst

Benign parotid lesions can grow to be a cosmetic deformation with psychological sequelae for a patient. Although surgical resection is the treatment of choice, cyst aspiration has also been attempted. This, however, has been shown to recur, requiring repeat intervention. An alternative therapeutic method not as widely recognized, but which has been reported to be both effective and less invasive than surgery for treating parotid cyst lesions, is sclerotherapy. Here we describe a report of a patient with a benign, localized, cystic neck mass refractory to 2 trials of fine needle aspiration. After the patient refused surgical resection, a trial of sterile ethanol sclerotherapy was performed. Our patient tolerated the procedure well with a significant reduction in the size of the lesion.

Ethanol Ablation of Ranulas: Short-Term Follow-Up Results and Clinicoradiologic Factors for Successful Outcome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Surgical excision of an affected sublingual gland for treatment of a ranula can carry a potential of a nerve damage or postoperative complications. However, there have been little studies about effective minimally invasive therapeutic method, yet. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ethanol ablation of ranulas and the clinicoradiologic factors that can predict outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated 23 patients with ranulas treated by percutaneous ethanol ablation. Treatment outcome was assessed in 20 patients followed for at least 6 months. The duration of symptoms before ethanol ablation, pretreatment volume, and parapharyngeal extension on sonography and/or CT were correlated with the outcome. The Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test were used for comparison of the factors according to the outcome.

RESULTS

The study evaluated 14 males and 9 females with a median age of 26 years (range, 3-41 years). Among 20 patients who were followed for at least 6 months (median, 20 months; range, 6-73 months), 9 patients (45%) demonstrated complete disappearance of the ranulas and 11 (55%) showed an incomplete response. When the patients were divided according to the duration of symptoms before ethanol ablation, the complete response rate was significantly higher in patients with ≤12 months of symptoms (73%, 8/11) than that in others (11%, 1/9) (P = .010). Pretreatment volume and parapharyngeal extension were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethanol ablation is a safe and noninvasive treatment technique for ranulas with a significantly better outcome in patients with ≤12 months of symptoms. Therefore, it could be considered an alternative nonsurgical approach for ranulas with recent onset of symptoms.

Head and neck lymphatic malformation and treatment: Clinical study of 23 cases

OBJECTIVES

Head and neck lymphatic malformation is a rare benign tumor, mainly affecting children under 1 year of age. Total resection is often difficult, and recurrence is frequent. Functional and esthetic sequelae are a major issue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective study recruited patients with head and neck lymphatic malformation managed surgically, with or without associated sclerosis by alcohol, bleomycin or aetoxisclerol, between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013. Local control, recurrence and complications rates were analyzed, as were swallowing disorder, tracheostomy and impaired phonation.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients, with a mean age of 15.80 years, were included. Location was suprahyoid in 17 cases (73.91%) and infrahyoid in 6 (26.09%). There were 11 macrocysts (47.82%), 2 microcysts (8.70%) and 10 mixed lesions (43.48%). Three patients showed spontaneous resolution; 12 patients (52.17%) underwent a single surgical procedure, 2 (8.7%) multiple procedures, 2 (8.7%) 1 surgical procedure and 1 sclerosis, 2 (8.7%) 1 surgical procedure and multiple scleroses, and 2 (8.7%) multiple procedures and multiple scleroses. The local control rate was 69.56%. There were 8 recurrences (34.78%), all in suprahyoid microcystic or mixed lesions. There were 2 complications (8.7%): 1 severe upper cervical edema following sclerosis of the floor of the mouth, and 1 postsurgical palsy of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. In 1 case (4.35%), a nasogastric tube was required for 6 days, without tracheostomy.

CONCLUSION

Recurrence was frequent, with non-negligible functional and esthetic impact, especially in case of suprahyoid and microcystic lesion.

Nursing Implications for the Management of Lymphatic Malformation in Children [Formula: see text]

Lymphatic malformation (LM) is a benign congenital childhood growth that presents primarily at birth, with the remainder becoming evident by age 2 years. LM can cause devastating complications such as respiratory failure, dyspnea, dysphagia, organ compression, and nerve compression. Surgery is the preferred treatment option, although resection is not always an option due to the anatomic location of the malformation. Other treatments that have been tried with success include sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, propranolol, and sirolimus. Nurses have an important role in caring for the child with LM, as with any complex disease. Nurses provide care at the bedside, education to the family, case coordination, and psychosocial support. LM is a rare disease in infancy necessitating pediatric nurses to support families through prolonged treatments and potential complications.

An Interesting Association of Cystic Hygroma of the Neck and Lymphangioma Causing a Paediatric Swollen Tongue

Up to 75% of lymphatic malformations occur in the head and neck region. Of these, cystic hygromas and lymphangiomas have been widely reported; however they rarely occur in the same patient. We report the case of a 5-year-old girl who presented to the Department of Paediatrics of a district general hospital with a short history of recurrent, painful swelling of the anterior one-third of her tongue. She was reviewed under the joint care of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Otolaryngology Teams. Relevant past medical history included a previously excised cystic hygroma from her right neck when she was aged 2 years. Diagnosis of lymphangioma was made and of the potential management options available active monitoring was favoured due to the patient's age. To our knowledge the occurrence of both tongue lymphangioma and cystic hygroma has not been previously reported in a paediatric patient. This case report therefore shows a rare association between a cystic hygroma of the neck and lymphangioma of the tongue.

Spontaneous lymphocoele: an unusual cause of an axillary mass

A lymphocoele or cystic hygroma is a benign lymphatic malformation that usually presents as a congenital mass in infancy. These masses are most common in the cervicofacial region and more rarely occur elsewhere in the body. Spontaneous, atraumatic presentation in adulthood is extremely rare. We present a case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with a fluctuant mass in the axilla, which was diagnosed as a lymphocoele. Initial management by ultrasound-guided aspiration of the cyst proved unsuccessful due to recurrence. Surgical excision of the cyst was then successfully performed and histological analysis proved the diagnosis. The incidence of adult-onset lymphocoele without a history of prior trauma or operation is rare. This case report adds to the literature and reviews the various management strategies that have been successfully employed.

Paediatric musculoskeletal interventional radiology

Interventional radiology technique is now well established and widely used in the adult population. Through minimally invasive procedures, it increasingly replaces surgical interventions that involve higher percentages of invasiveness and, consequently, of morbidity and mortality. For these advantageous reasons, interventional radiology in recent years has spread to the paediatric age as well. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the development, use and perspectives of these procedures in the paediatric musculoskeletal field. Several topics are covered: osteomuscle neoplastic malignant and benign pathologies treated with invasive diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures such as radiofrequency ablation in the osteoid osteoma; invasive and non-invasive procedures in vascular malformations; treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts; and role of interventional radiology in paediatric inflammatory and rheumatic inflammations. The positive results that have been generated with interventional radiology procedures in the paediatric field highly encourage both the development of new ad hoc materials, obviously adapted to young patients, as well as the improvement of such techniques, in consideration of the fact that childrens' pathologies do not always correspond to those of adults. In conclusion, as these interventional procedures have proven to be less invasive, with lower morbidity and mortality rates as well, they are becoming a viable and valid alternative to surgery in the paediatric population.

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for benign non-thyroid cystic mass in the neck

Surgical excision has traditionally been the treatment of choice for benign non-thyroid cystic neck masses, including lymphatic malformation, ranula, branchial cleft cyst, thyroglossal duct cyst, and parathyroid cyst. However, there is a tendency toward recurrence after surgery, and surgery may be accompanied by complications, including nerve injuries, vascular injuries, and scar formation. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy using various agents has been challenged and successfully applied as an alternative treatment for benign non-thyroid cystic neck masses. This report reviews the available sclerosing agents and describes the applications of sclerotherapy to the treatment of benign cystic masses in the neck.

[Airway obstruction due to cystic hygroma in a newborn]

BACKGROUND

Cystic hygroma is a diffuse dilatation of the lymphatic system, which can be prenatally diagnosed by ultrasound. The incidence is 1/6,000 live births and 1/750 spontaneous abortions. This malformation can occur at the cervical level located in the inferior lateral part of the neck where it appears with large single or multilocular cavities. It is generally caused by a lack of connection with jugular lymphatic channels or with the venous drainage system lymph sacs.

CASE REPORT

In order to emphasize these diseases and non-surgical treatment options, we present a patient with a cervical cystic hygroma that compromises the airway and digestive tract due to tumor extension and treatment with pure ethanol with clinical improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Depending on the characteristics of the lesion, treatment options are surgery, pharmacological or mixed. When the extension involves vital organs, the best option is to reduce the size of the lesion and the compromise of the adjacent organ. This is done by sclerotherapy and, if necessary, surgery.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment of a complex malocclusion: giving up efficiency in favor of effectiveness, quality of life, and functional rehabilitation?

The interceptive orthodontic treatment of patients with complex dentofacial abnormalities is frequently inefficient and produces less than ideal outcomes. Therefore, postponing therapy to a single-phase surgical-orthodontic approach might be considered a reasonable option. However, other relevant aspects of the patient's quality of life, such as possible psychosocial problems and functional impairments, should also be considered before deciding whether to intercept a severe dentofacial malocclusion while the patient is still growing, or wait and treat later. This case report describes the nonsurgical treatment of a young patient with a severe Class III open-bite malocclusion associated with a cervical cystic lymphangioma. Despite the poor interceptive therapy prognosis, a 2-phase approach was effective. A reflection about giving up efficiency in favor of effectiveness, functional rehabilitation, and the patient's quality of life is included.

Presternal dermoid cyst mimicking lymphatic malformation: a case report and review of the literature

We describe an 11-month-old boy with an unusually large presternal mass present since birth. The large size, fluctuant properties, transillumination, compressibility, and imaging of this lesion were characteristic of a lymphatic malformation. Although four treatments with sclerotherapy markedly reduced its size, it was not until definitive treatment with surgical excision and the final pathology report that we arrived at the ultimate diagnosis of dermoid cyst. Dermoid cysts, although appearing along embryologic lines of closure, are rarely presternal. They are usually small, thick walled, and filled with sebaceous or keratinous fluid, which typically allows for clinical diagnosis, and show characteristic features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. However, this case illustrates that dermoid cysts can appear in somewhat atypical locations, and imaging is not always diagnostic, so dermoid cyst should remain a part of the differential diagnosis for any lesion presenting midsternally, regardless of the size and imaging characteristics.

EXIT procedure for fetal neck masses

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT procedure) can be life-saving for fetuses with large neck masses. Advances in fetal imaging and access to prenatal care have improved the ability to anticipate and plan for the treatment of these fetuses. This review will highlight advances in imaging techniques, modification of anesthesia and case selection for the EXIT procedure. Long-term maternal and fetal outcomes will also be discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

There have been relatively few articles published on this subject in the past 18 months. A better understanding of the effect of inhalational anesthetics on fetal cardiac function and some insight into the pharmacokinetics of narcotics while on uteroplacental support has been gained. Imaging characteristics that may improve patient selection have been proposed. The long-term outcomes of mothers undergoing fetal surgical procedures in general and specifically those undergoing EXIT procedures suggest that the EXIT procedure can be performed with minimal maternal morbidity in skilled hands. Furthermore, long-term neonatal outcomes appear to be improving, but further studies are needed.

SUMMARY

The EXIT procedure can be performed safely in a skilled multidisciplinary setting with minimal maternal and fetal morbidity and excellent fetal outcomes. Recent reports have helped further identify which fetuses will benefit from the EXIT procedure.

The surgical management and outcome of congenital mediastinal malformations

We reviewed our institutional experience with congenital mediastinal masses and compared the postnatal management and outcome of patients with or without prenatal diagnosis. Between January 1997 and August 2011, 24 patients underwent surgical procedures for congenital mediastinal mass. For eight patients, the mass was detected by prenatal ultrasonography at 27 weeks of gestation (range 22-35). Postnatal management consisted in open surgery for seven patients at a mean age of 9 months (range 1 day-20 months) and sclerotherapy for one lymphangioma at 5 months of life. Sixteen patients had postnatal diagnosis at 137 months (±194) of median age. Eight bronchogenic cysts, seven bronchopulmonary foregut malformations, five teratomas, three lymphangiomas and one haemangioma were operated on. The median age at resection was 28 months (1 day-15 years). There were four emergency procedures and no surgical mortality. The median follow-up was 45 months (3-144). The duration of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay was, respectively, 4.6 h and 7.5 days for antenatal patients and 24.3 h and 14.3 days for postnatal diagnosed patients. Prenatal diagnosis allows early management of congenital mediastinal malformations. Early resection can be performed prior to the occurrence of symptoms ∼1 year of life and is associated with an excellent outcome and less morbidity.