Ultrasound findings of cystic spaces in the fetal neck: an association with chromosomal anomalies and indication for amniocentesis

Summary Routine real-time ultrasound scans in early pregnancy have detected five patients in whom the fetus had cystic spaces in the cervical region. In four cases the fetus had a chromosome anomaly. Although this has been reported before, we feel that the cystic spaces are an indication for amniocentesis, to examine the karyotype and the αfetoprotein levels in the amniotic fluid.