A thoracal spinal cord teratoma associated with Taussig-Bing anomaly in a newborn

Background: Teratomas are the most common type of childhood germ cell tumor , arising in both ovary and extragonadal locations. From 40% to 50% of the extragonadal teratomas occur in the sacrococcygeal region. Teratomas in the head, neck, brain, mediastinum, abdominal, and spinal cord locations are s een less frequently. Congenital anomalies are observed up to 26% of the cas es with teratoma. Methods: A 2-day-old newborn was admitted to the hospital because of a mass in the interscapular region. She was evaluated for this and other anomalie s. The mass was excised totally, and histopathologic evaluation was done. Results: Histopathologic examination of the mass revealed a mature teratoma . In addition, the child had a Taussig-Bing anomaly of the heart. Conclusions: This appears to be the first report of the association between congenital thoracic spinal cord teratoma and Taussig-Bing anomaly, a speci fic type of transposition of the great arteries.