A Case of a Mediastinal Neurenteric Cyst Demonstrated by Prenatal Ultrasound

Abstract

We report the case of a posterior large mediastinal neurenteric cyst demonstrated by prenatal ultrasound (US). Postnatal chest radiography and CT studies demonstrated a posterior, large cystic mediastinal mass associated with vertebral abnormalities including scoliosis, hemivertebrae and anterior spina bifida. Because postnatally respiratory distress developed and rapidly progressed, an emergency operation was performed 12 hours after delivery. The cyst was excised via right posterolateral thoracotomy. Postoperatively, respiratory distress regressed. This is the third reported case of a neurenteric cyst demonstrated by prenatal ultrasound.