Congenital Intracranial Teratoma—An Intractable Enigma: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Congenital intracranial tumors are rare, accounting for 0.5-1.9% of pediatric tumors. Though antenatal detection rates have improved with ultrasound (US) and MRI, histopathology gives a definite diagnosis. Prognosis is guarded as there is no effective postnatal treatment. We present a fetus incidentally diagnosed with intracranial teratoma by US and MRI at 36 weeks of gestation. Elective cesarean was performed for anticipated labor dystocia. A female baby with head circumference [ 99th centile was delivered. Due to the invasive growth potential of the tumor, the baby succumbed at 4 months of palliative care. Further research is required for devising new treatment modalities to tackle this intractable condition.