Neonatal airway obstruction caused by rapidly growing nasopharyngeal teratoma

Acta Paediatr. 2009 Nov;98(11):1852-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2009.01458.x. Epub 2009 Jul 29.

Abstract

A case report is presented of a rapidly growing congenital nasopharyngeal teratoma (epignathus) in a preterm infant, leading to severe upper airway obstruction. Prenatal diagnosis by ultrasonography did not reveal the condition because the tumour masses were initially small and there was no polyhydramnios. Epignathus is a rare cause of upper airway obstruction of the newborn that can grow rapidly in the neonatal period and should be treated surgically.

Conclusion: Epignathus is a rare cause of upper airway obstruction of the newborn that can grow rapidly in the neonatal period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Airway Obstruction / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / complications
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / congenital*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Nasopharynx / diagnostic imaging
  • Nasopharynx / pathology*
  • Teratoma / complications
  • Teratoma / congenital*
  • Teratoma / diagnosis
  • Ultrasonography