Cystic hygroma vs occipital meningocele

Last revised by Subhan Iqbal on 10 Jun 2023

Cystic hygroma and occipital meningocele are both differential diagnosis for an antenatally detected cystic collection noted on the posterior aspect of the head and neck.

A simple differentiation can be made based on the contents and presence of septations:

  • cystic hygroma will present as a well-defined anechoic thin-walled cyst with multiple septations and a characteristic midline septum representing the nuchal ligament 1,2

  • an occipital meningocele will appear as a well-defined anechoic area with no septations and is seen in direct continuity with a defect in the calvaria

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