Congenital Nasopharyngeal Teratoma in Newborn: Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

A rare case of nasopharyngeal teratoma (epignathus) is described in a newborn female, presenting with life threatening respiratory embarrassment. Complete excision was achieved. The management and differential diagnosis are discussed, accompanied by a review of the literature.

Epignathus: Large Obstructive Teratoma Arising from the Palate

“…The etiology of epignathus is unknown and may arise from pleuripotential cells in the region of Rathke's pouch that grow in a disorganized manner (Hatzihaberis et al, 1978;Jawad et al, 1990;Gera and Bhatia, 1994). Teratomas contain elements derived from all three embryonic germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.…”

Neonatal Epignathus with Cleft Palate: A Case Report

“…It occurs predominantly in girls and approximately 60% originates in the nasopharynx (4,6,8,9) . Though the etiology of epignathus is unknown, the more popular theory states that it may arise from pleuripotential cells in the region of Rathke's pouch that grows in a disorganized manner (7,8). Even its unique appearance, clinical correct diagnosis may be difficult until biopsy or surgical resection is done to prove its histological three germ layers' components (1,4,11) .…”

“…Even its unique appearance, clinical correct diagnosis may be difficult until biopsy or surgical resection is done to prove its histological three germ layers' components (1,4,11) . Differential diagnosis includes ethmo-basal encephalocele, cystic hygroma, dermoid cyst, lymphangioma, rhabdomyosarcoma (3,7) . CT scan or MRI is valuable to distinguish a teratoma from other tumors (3,…”

Teratomas neonatales: serie de casos con diferentes localizaciones

“…www.medigraphic.org.mx son de suma utilidad para obtener el mejor resultado posible. 14,15 Halterman y colaboradores describieron que el diagnóstico prenatal permite programar la cesárea y realizar traqueostomía inmediata al momento del parto por especialistas en otorrinolaringología, 16 lo cual fue semejante a lo ocurrido en la segunda paciente descrita en el presente reporte. Gera y Bhatia informaron de fuga de líquido cefalorraquídeo, por lo que fue necesaria la reconstrucción de la base del cráneo.…”