Thoracoabdominal Cysts in the First Trimester as an Early Sonographic Sign of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Case Series.
Vu Nguyen Dinh, Van Giang Hoai, Linh Pham Vo Thuy et al.
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Case in brief
Three cases involved fetal abdominal cysts detected in the first trimester at the right thoracoabdominal border. The cysts were initially considered to arise from the liver or lung, but subsequent imaging showed right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). In the second trimester, the cysts regressed as hepatic tissue herniated into the thorax. This imaging evolution linked the early cystic finding with later recognition of CDH and may support earlier diagnosis and perinatal counseling.
What made this case unusual
The cysts regressed at the same time as intrathoracic hepatic herniation developed, rather than disappearing before the herniation became apparent.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
A first-trimester cyst at the fetal right thoracoabdominal border may be an early sonographic sign of right-sided CDH, even when initially interpreted as hepatic or pulmonary in origin.
Why it matters
Recognizing this evolving pattern may enable earlier CDH diagnosis and inform perinatal counseling.