Echo-guided lymphatic drainage by fine-needle aspiration in persistent isolated septated fetal nuchal cystic hygroma

We report two cases of large, persistent, isolated, fetal nuchal cystic hygromas that underwent echo-guided lymphatic drainage by fine-needle aspiration during the second and third trimesters. Multiple punctures and fluid tapping from cystic hygromas under sonographic guidance proved to be easy procedures and not deleterious to the fetuses. The decompression effect caused by lymphatic drainage in utero can prevent polyhydramnios, irreversible fetal facial deformity and progression to hydrops fetalis. Furthermore, when carried out during the third trimester, especially before delivery, it helps avoid birth injury, dystocia and neonatal asphyxia.