Intracranial Teratomata of the Newborn

Abstract

Intracranial teratomata are uncommon; those presenting at birth are quite rare. The following case is of interest since the tumor was detected before birth, was of sufficient size to prevent normal delivery, and almost completely replaced all cerebral tissue above the midbrain. It is felt that a review of intracranial teratomata of the neonatal period would be worth while since this specific problem has not previously been discussed in the medical literature. Report of a Case History.—Cesarean section was undertaken to deliver a 22-year-old primigravida during the 35th week of an uneventful pregnancy because of an unusually large fetal skull confirmed radiographically. During surgery 2,000 cc. of fluid was aspirated from the head and the baby was dead when removed. Gross Autopsy Findings.—The body was that of a stillborn male infant, 41 cm. long and weighing 2,500 gm. The greatly enlarged head had a circumference of 48 cm.