The Role of Prenatal Ultrasound Examination in Predicting the Outcomes of Ovarian Fetal Cysts: A Pictorial Essay

<b>Objectives:</b> The aim of this study was to evaluate prenatal ultrasound features, fetal postnatal outcomes, and the need for postnatal surgery in the suspicion of ovarian torsion. <b>Methods:</b> We included patients with a singleton pregnancy with a suspicion of ovarian fetal cyst referred to our center. Data derived from prenatal ultrasound evaluations, delivery, and postnatal follow-up were then extracted from the hospital registers. <b>Results:</b> The ultrasound features of 32 fetal ovarian cysts and related neonatal outcomes were analyzed. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 32 weeks (28-36), while the mean diameter of the cyst diagnosis was 34.8 ± 13.2 mm. In 78.1% of cases, the cysts did not change their characteristics during pregnancy, while in 9.4%, they increased their dimensions, and in 12.5%, they reduced their size. In 78.1% of cases, the diagnosis was confirmed postnatally, and in 40% of cases, a spontaneous regression occurred during follow-up. Surgery was performed in 60% of cases, and most of the time (66.7%), an adnexectomy was required. <b>Conclusions:</b> An unfavorable outcome was associated with cystic dimensions and ultrasound feature modifications during pregnancy. However, our study demonstrated that a hemorrhagic content is not always indicative of adnexal torsion, and spontaneous resolution may occur. In addition, only a few of the simple anechoic cysts managed surgically presented with necrosis at histopathological examination; therefore, a conservative approach might be proposed in those cases.