MRI in the assessment of a newborn with cervical teratoma

Abstract

Teratoma of the head and neck is a rare lesion comprising 6 % of all teratomas, with only 3 % occurring in the cervical region [1]. Most are non-malignant lesions consisting of a variety of tissues of variable maturity, commonly with neuroepithelial and thyroid elements. They often present as a large cystic mass in the neck of a neonate or infant and frequently cause respiratory embarrassment due to local mass effect necessitating urgent surgical intervention. They may be difficult to distinguish from cystic hygromas, both clinically and radiologically. Imaging plays an important role in the assessment of these lesions, especially in preparation for surgery. We present a case of cervical teratoma and emphasise the role of MRI.