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Delayed surgery in pericardial teratoma with neonatal hydrops
D Mitanchez1, A G Grébille, S Parat
1Service de Réanimation Pédiatrique et Néonatale, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France. delphine.mitanchez@nck.ap-hop-paris.fr
Summary
Delayed surgery for pericardial teratoma in hydropic newborns may be safe and effective. Stabilizing premature infants before operating on this rare congenital tumor showed positive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Surgery
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Pericardial teratomas are rare congenital tumors causing hydrops fetalis.
- Optimal timing for surgical intervention in neonates with this condition remains unclear.
Observation:
- Two cases of premature newborns with symptomatic pericardial teratoma and hydrops are presented.
- Surgical intervention was deferred until cardiorespiratory stabilization was achieved.
Findings:
- Mature teratomas were successfully excised on postoperative day 3.
- Both infants demonstrated successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by postoperative days 5 and 10.
- Long-term follow-up at 18 months showed favorable outcomes for both neonates.
Implications:
- Delayed surgical management for pericardial teratoma in hydropic neonates appears to be a feasible and effective strategy.
- This approach may improve cardiorespiratory stability prior to operative intervention.
- Further research is warranted to establish standardized guidelines for managing this rare condition.
