Fetal ovarian cysts: sonographic detection and association with hypothyroidism

Three cases of ovarian cysts diagnosed antenatally by sonography are analyzed. Two patients also had congenital hypothyroidism, and one of these also had hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The significance of fetal ovarian cysts is discussed, with emphasis on the implications for clinical management of the baby. In instances where screening thyroid function tests are not routinely performed on all newborns, prenatal identification of ovarian cysts should be considered as an indication to evaluate thyroid status.