Fetal diagnosis of superior vena cava aneurysm

Abstract

Superior vena cava aneurysm is a rare intrathoracic vascular lesion with only 27 cases reported in the literature. The majority are fusiform and can be associated with cystic hygroma due to the close embryonic relationship between lymphatic vessels and systemic veins. This is the first report of superior vena cava aneurysm diagnosed with fetal echocardiography in a fetus with a cystic hygroma. There is a need of a prospective registry to further delineate all aspects of this condition and establish the most appropriate therapeutic approach. Mini-Abstract Superior vena cava aneurysm is a rare intrathoracic vascular lesion, which can be associated with cystic hygroma. In this article, the authors describe a case of superior vena cava aneurysm diagnosed by means of fetal echocardiography and a review of the literature for management of this rare condition. © 2012, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.