Infections of congenital cervical neck masses associated with bacteremia.
Congenital cervical neck masses are usually benign lesions. However, cystic hygromas and cervical teratomas are associated with a high risk for potentially life-threatening complications, primarily that of respiratory distress secondary to tracheal compression. Children with unoperated teratomas are also at high risk for malignant changes. A third potential complication is that of infection of the lesion. We present two newborns with infections of cervical neck masses associated with bacteremia. One lesion was a teratoma, the other a cystic hygroma. In both infants, surgical excision had been delayed. These cases illustrate the need for prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment of congenital cervical neck masses.
D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008202:Lymphangioma / Q000150:complications* / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae; D013724:Teratoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery