Neonatal nasopharyngeal teratomas: cross sectional imaging features

An Approach to Nasopharyngeal Mass in Newborns: Case Series and Systematic Literature Review

OBJECTIVE

Congenital nasopharyngeal masses (CNMs) are rare. Presenting symptoms vary, and the differential diagnoses cover a wide spectrum of possibilities. As it is uncommon, most examples discussed in literature are described as case reports or series. Guidelines on CNM patient management do not exist. In this study, we present two (2) cases of neonates with CNMs that were encountered at our tertiary center. Additionally, to best elaborate a comprehensive, case-based approach to CNM management, we offer an up-to-date, diagnosis-to-treatment review of current literature.

METHODS

Case series and systematic literature review.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight (28) studies are included since January 2000 to October 2021, with a total of 41 cases. Most common diagnosis was teratoma (78%). Female-to-male ratio was 2.5:1. Twenty percent of cases presented prenatally with polyhydramnios or elevated alpha-fetoprotein. Postnatally, the presenting symptoms most frequently encountered were respiratory distress (78%), oral mass (52%), and feeding difficulties (29%). Seventy-five percent of affected newborns showed symptoms within the first 24 hours of life. Forty percent of cases had comorbidities, especially in the head and neck region.

CONCLUSIONS

Congenital nasopharyngeal masses can be detected antenatally, or symptomatically immediately after birth. Airway protection is a cornerstone in the management. Selecting the right imaging modality and convening a multidisciplinary team meeting are important toward the planning of next steps/therapeutic approach. Typically, a transnasal or transoral surgical approach will be deemed sufficient to address the problem, with a good overall prognosis.

Combined endonasal and neurosurgical resection of a congenital teratoma with pharyngeal, intracranial and orbital extension: Case report, surgical technique and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

This study reports a patient with a large teratoma involving the oropharynx, the nasopharynx and the left orbit, with intracranial extension. This case represents one of the first reported instances of such an association. A literature review reporting head and neck teratomas with intracranial involvement is also presented.

CASE REPORT

The authors describe a case of a neonate presenting with a huge teratoma causing respiratory distress due to upper airway obstruction. The child was operated on at 3 months of age with a combined neurosurgical and endonasal endoscopic-assisted approach. After more than 1-year follow-up, the child has no recurrence and no complications of surgery.

DISCUSSION

This type of teratoma is very rare and surgical morbidity is common. The diagnosis may be apparent before birth, which will facilitate the planning of respiratory management. The combined neurosurgical and otolaryngologic approach for a neonatal teratoma has not previously been described. Using an endoscopic-assisted approach for intranasal tumors removal in neonates and infants is a very rare surgical challenge.

CONCLUSION

Large nasopharyngeal teratomas of infancy with sinonasal and intracranial extension may be managed using a combined endoscopic-assisted endonasal and neurosurgical procedure.

Hairy Polyp of the Nasopharynx Arising from the Eustachian Tube

Hairy polyps of the nasopharynx display characteristic radiological imaging findings, including the presence of fat in the polypoid mass. Furthermore, diagnostic imaging is useful for delineating the site of origin of these lesions, which can facilitate surgical planning. For instance hairy polyps that arise from the right Eustachian tube can be amputated via a trans-nasal approach with endoscopy, but may necessitate a two stage approach in order to avoid injury to critical structures, such as the internal carotid artery. On histology, hairy polyps comprise an outer keratinizing squamous epithelium with adnexal tissue, including hair follicles, and central fibroadipose and cartilaginous tissue. These features are exemplified in this sine qua non radiology-pathology correlation article.

Congenital salivary gland anlage tumor - in utero and postnatal imaging

We present a case of an infant with congenital salivary gland anlage tumor, with fetal and postnatal imaging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case describing the in utero imaging findings of salivary gland anlage tumor. A fetal MRI was performed secondary to the clinical finding of polyhydramnios, which identified a nasopharyngeal mass. Because findings were concerning for airway obstruction, the fetus was delivered by ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) to airway procedure. A postnatal CT confirmed the findings of the fetal MRI. The lesion was resected when the baby was 4 days old and recovery was uneventful.