Fetal abdominal hyperechoic mass: diagnosis and management

In the last 2 years, we have had the opportunity to follow 12 cases diagnosed with hyperechoic abdominal masses. Four of the cases ended with a fetal demise, while 7 resulted in the birth of an anomalous or medically ill neonate. Only 1 case has shown spontaneous resolution of the hyperechoic mass with the birth of a normal neonate. The in utero diagnosis of a hyperechoic abdominal mass should encourage the clinician to further investigation since the differential diagnosis is quite diverse. Appropriate counselling for the patient is a necessary part of prenatal care.