Prenatal Diagnosis of a Giant Epignathus in the Second Trimester and Immediate Successful Management at Birth: A Case Report

Abstract

Abstract Epignathus is an extremely rare congenital oropharyngeal teratoma. Here, we report a case of epignathus without intracranial extension in a fetus. The mass was first found by ultrasonography at 22 gestational weeks. Serial ultrasound examinations and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed that the fetus had neither central nervous system involvement nor abnormal nose or tooth. The baby was delivered at 37 weeks and six days of gestation via cesarean section set up for ex-utero intrapartum treatment. The postnatal pathologic examination confirmed the presence of mature tissues predominantly containing ectopic central nervous tissue, osseous tissue, and bronchial mucosal tissue. Most cases of epignathus are associated with malformation and death. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging prenatal assessments are very important to facilitate counseling and understand prognosis. In conclusion, the ex-utero intrapartum treatment procedure is a good approach to improve the survival of infants with epignathus.