Role of the autopsy in congenital cystic hygroma

Sixteen cases of congenital cystic hygroma were identified through a retrospective review of surgical pathology and autopsy records. Tissue sections of the cystic hygromas were available in 10 cases and were examined histopathologically and for reactivity to factor VIII antiserum. Of 13 cases with ultrasound examinations, cystic hygroma was diagnosed prenatally in 9. In 11 cases with successful karyotyping, six were 45, X. Histopathologic observations of lymphatic vascular architecture were apparent in 10 cases, and immunoreactivity of the endothelium to factor VIII antiserum was preserved regardless of the degree of autolysis.