Congenital Mass Lesions of the Thoracic Cavity- A Fetal Autopsy Study

Congenital thoracic mass lesions are generally benign but can cause significant morbidity and mortality due to airway obstruction. This study highlights the role of perinatal autopsy in identifying these lesions and correlates autopsy findings with prenatal imaging.

A retrospective analysis of fetal autopsies with thoracic mass lesions was conducted over 9 years. A standardized autopsy protocol, including fixation, photography, foetogram, external examination, en-bloc removal, internal examination, and organ block dissection, was followed and compared with prenatal imaging results.

Of 426 fetal autopsies, 20 (4.6%) had thoracic mass lesions. The most common lesion was diaphragmatic hernia (9 cases, 45%), followed by congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (3 cases, 15%). Agreement with prenatal ultrasonography was observed in only 4 cases (20%).

Fetal autopsy is crucial for identifying thoracic mass lesions and determining the cause of death, aiding in genetic counseling and management of future pregnancies.