Fatal rupture of a sacrococcygeal teratoma during delivery

We report the case of premature infant born at 32 weeks' gestation with a sacrococcygeal teratoma diagnosed in utero. During delivery by cesarean section, profound bleeding due to rupture of the teratoma occurred. Despite volume expansion with saline, albumin, and whole blood, a satisfactory peripheral perfusion of the infant was only briefly achieved. Surgical intervention to stop the bleeding was unsuccessful. Resuscitation of the infant was discontinued after 55 minutes. The relevant literature is discussed, and suggestions for the management of infants with sacrococcygeal teratomas are made.