title: Epignathus Leading to Fatal Airway Obstruction in a Neonate.
abstract: Teratomas are benign tumours containing cells from ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal layers with an incidence of about 1 in every 4,000 births. Their commonest site is sacro-coccygeal region, followed by anterior mediastinum. The incidence of teratomas localised to the head and neck region is around 2-9% of all cases. Epignathus is a rare congenital oropharyngeal teratoma originating from the base of the skull. Here we present a rare case of oropharyngeal teratoma in a neonate who was referred to our institute with an ill-defined oral mass protruding through a cleft in the hard palate. Computed tomography scan showed a contrast-enhanced solid mass with areas of calcification and fat extending to oropharynx and nasal cavity with hard palate defect suggestive of a teratoma. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed due to respiratory compromise before the biopsy could be done. Postmortem histopathological examination confirmed diagnosis of benign teratoma consisting of mature tissue.
authors.affiliation: Ex-Assistant Professor, Neonatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, TN Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital , Mumbai, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Shruti Sudhir
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Jadhav
authors.affiliation: Ex-Associate Professor, Neonatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, TN Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital , Mumbai, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Charusheela Sujit
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Korday
authors.affiliation: Professor and Incharge Neonatology, Neonatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, TN Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital , Mumbai, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Sushma
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Malik
authors.affiliation: Ex-Resident, Neonatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, TN Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital , Mumbai, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Vivek Kishor
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: Ex-Resident, Neonatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, TN Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital , Mumbai, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Shilpa Kapil
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Lad
keywords: Cleft palate; Congenital teratoma; Oropharyngeal teratoma