Neonatal nasopharyngeal teratomas: cross sectional imaging features.

BACKGROUND

Neonatal nasopharyngeal teratomas are extremely rare and there are few reports describing both CT and MRI features of these lesions.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the CT and MRI appearances of neonatal nasopharyngeal teratoma.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Three neonates with nasopharyngeal teratomas and severe respiratory distress were reviewed.

RESULTS

The nasopharyngeal mass resulted in severe respiratory compromise requiring urgent intervention. Characteristic mandibular and pterygoid plate abnormalities demonstrated by CT and MRI are described.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal MRI enables the diagnosis, delineates tumour extent and allows planned delivery. CT and MRI play a key role in differentiating neonatal nasopharyngeal teratomas from other causes of a neonatal neck mass, thus optimising management.