TERATOMA IN A NEWBORN - AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF AIRWAY-OBSTRUCTION

We report the case of a newborn girl who presented with an inspiratory strider and apneic episodes due to a mass in the oropharynx. On flexi ble pharyngo-laryngoscopy, it appeared that on inspiration this swelli ng, originating from the oropharynx, was sucked into the larynx, obstr ucting the airway. After intubation under flexible optic control the s welling was excised using the CO2-laser. Histopathological examination showed a teratoma of the oropharynx. The postoperative course was une ventful. Teratomas of the oropharynx are rare and are treated by surgi cal excision. If respiratory distress accompanies the lesion, priority must be given to securing the airway. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Irela nd Ltd. All rights reserved.