Experience with 8 cases of prenatally diagnosed sacrococcygeal teratomas

Based on an analysis of eight prenatal diagnoses of sacrococcygeal teratomas and a review of the literature on this condition, sacrococcygeal teratoma can be accurately diagnosed which is related to significant fetal wastage as well as neonatal morbidity and mortality. These tumors are usually benign and the long-term morbidity, but not the overall survival rate, appears to be related to the American Academy of Pediatrics Surgical Section type of tumor. alpha-Fetoprotein can be normal or elevated and acetylcholinesterase in amniotic fluid can be present in spite of the polyhydramnios, but sonography can distinguish these lesions from neural tube defects. Nonimmune hydrops is an ominous sign, particularly in cases detected early in pregnancy. Timing and method of delivery are important considerations for neonatal survival with these lesions. However, normal survival with minimal morbidity is possible even in the largest of sacrococcygeal teratomas.