Prenatal diagnosis of a fetal intracranial tumor

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2005 Jun;272(1):87-9. doi: 10.1007/s00404-004-0667-1. Epub 2004 Aug 7.

Abstract

Introduction: The commonest fetal intracranial tumor is the teratoma. The prognosis is poor with death usually occurring shortly after birth. Modern high resolution ultrasound scanners facilitate examination of the cranial contents, allowing earlier diagnosis.

Case report: A fetus with a congenital intracranial teratoma presenting with a disproportionately enlarged head at 36 weeks' gestation is presented. The infant died of respiratory failure within 24 h of birth. On postmortem examination the histologic report revealed an immature teratoma. This article describes the prenatal sonographic diagnosis of a rare case of intracranial immature teratoma in a fetus at 36 weeks' gestation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Neoplasms / embryology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Teratoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Teratoma / embryology
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*