Neonatal nasopharyngeal teratomas: cross sectional imaging features

Background: Neonatal nasopharyngeal teratomas are extremely rare and there are few reports describing both CT and MRI features of these lesions. Objective: To describe the CT and MRI appearances of neonatal nasopharyngeal teratoma. Materials and methods: Three neonates with nasopharyngeal teratomas and severe respiratory distress were reviewed. Results: The nasopharyngeal mass resulted in severe respiratory compromise requiring urgent intervention. Characteristic mandibular and pterygoid plate abnormalities demonstrated by CT and MRI are described. Conclusions: Prenatal MRI enables the diagnosis, delineates tumour extent and allows planned delivery. CT and MRI play a key role in differentiating neonatal nasopharyngeal teratomas from other causes of a neonatal neck mass, thus optimising management. (orig.)