Figure - available from: Pediatric Radiology
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Normal fetal oropharyngeal anatomy. T2-W sagittal MR image shows normal profile and oropharyngeal airway in a 29-week fetus. Tongue (star), palate (arrow), nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal passages, and thoracic trachea are well depicted. The forehead and nasal root are perpendicular (dashed lines)
Source publication
Magnetic resonance imaging has proved to be an extraordinarily useful adjunct modality in assessment of the fetal face, oral cavity, head and neck because of its soft-tissue contrast, utility for acquiring more precise planar imaging and the inherent advantage of contrast provided by fluid-filled structures, including the oropharyngeal cavity, nasa...
Citations
... Antenatal counseling helps the parents to better understand the natural history, fetal intervention, and perinatal management of these tumors, which differ dramatically depending on their size and location [17]. While teratomas are among the most seen antenatally diagnosed tumors, masses located in the face and neck region represent a minority of cases, estimated at 10% -15% [18]. ...
Background: Congenital teratomas are relatively rare neoplasms, which occurs in about 1:20,000 to 1:80,000 births, and only 1.5% to 5% of which are neoplasm of the cervical. They can be diagnosed through ultrasound during pregnancy and, if not properly handled, have a high mortality rate. Airway compression is a secondary complication following mortality. Case report: A solid-cystic mass was identified in the anterior cervical region of a 30-week-old fetus during an ultrasound scan. EXIT (Ex-Utero Intrapartum Treatment)-to-airway procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team composed of obstetricians, anesthesiologists, neonatologists and pediatric surgeons to remove the neoplasm. The procedure occurred upon delivery of the fetus, resulting in a positive outcome with neonatal survival. In this case, the fetus was in breech position, and, differently from the usual EXIT protocol, it had to be completely extracted before guaranteeing airway flow. Conclusion: Although congenital teratomas are a rare condition with complex treatment, it is possible to achieve a satisfactory outcome when adequate planning and protocol are established.
