The delivered promise of prenatal imaging and a challenge to the utility of sildenafil for severe lymphatic malformations

Abstract

We report the case of an infant with severe lymphatic malformation necessitating ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure and examine recent advances in high resolution ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, which allow for improved prenatal diagnosis of lesions that cause critical airway obstruction in the neonate. Treatments for lymphatic malformations including surgical resection, sclerotherapy, coblation, and sildenafil are discussed. Our patient did not have any reduction in the size of the lymphatic malformation from sildenafil as suggested in another series.

Keywords: Congenital neck mass; EXIT; Laryngeal mask airway; Lymphatic malformation; Prenatal imaging; Sildenafil.