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Asphyxiating death due to basal lingual cyst (thyroglossal duct cyst) in two-month-old infant is potentially

Minseob Eom1, Youn Shin Kim

  • 1Department of Forensic Medicine, National Institute of Scientific Investigation, Jeonnam, Korea.

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|August 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Large basal lingual cysts, like thyroglossal duct cysts, can cause infant death from airway obstruction. This case highlights the risk even in surgically treated infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Pathology
  • Neonatal Medicine

Background:

  • Upper airway obstruction in infants presents diverse etiologies.
  • Basal lingual cysts can cause severe airway compromise via mass effect and epiglottic displacement.

Observation:

  • A rare case of infant death due to a basal lingual cyst (thyroglossal duct cyst remnant) is presented.
  • The infant had undergone open-heart surgery for atrial and ventricular septal defects.
  • Central catheterization may have exacerbated the airway obstruction.

Findings:

  • Postmortem examination confirmed airway obstruction by a basal lingual cyst.
  • Thyroglossal duct cysts, though benign, pose a risk of sudden death from asphyxia.
  • This case underscores the potential for fatal airway obstruction in infants with pre-existing cardiac conditions.

Implications:

  • Increased vigilance for airway obstruction in infants with lingual cysts is warranted.
  • Consideration of airway management strategies in infants with cardiac defects and potential lingual masses.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis and management of basal lingual cysts in infants is needed.

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