Related Experiment Videos
Giant enterocystoma within an infant's tongue
1Queen Mary's University Hospital, London.
Insights
A rare congenital enterocystoma in an infant caused feeding and breathing issues. Surgical removal was successful, with no recurrence after two years.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Pediatric surgery
- Gastrointestinal pathology
Background:
- Congenital cysts in infants can present with significant complications.
- Enterocystomas, rare developmental anomalies, contain heterotopic gastric and intestinal epithelium.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing airway obstruction and feeding difficulties.
Observation:
- A male infant presented with a large developmental cyst in the tongue and submandibular triangle.
- The cyst caused severe feeding difficulties and partial airway obstruction.
- Computed tomography (CT) scanning revealed complete airway obstruction, necessitating an emergency tracheostomy.
Findings:
- The cyst was identified as an enterocystoma containing heterotopic gastric and intestinal tissues.
- Surgical enucleation was performed using a median labiomandibulotomy approach.
- The procedure was successful, with no postoperative complications.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare congenital anomalies like enterocystomas.
- Prompt surgical management can effectively resolve life-threatening airway obstruction and feeding problems in infants.
- Complete surgical excision appears to offer a favorable long-term prognosis with no signs of recurrence.
Abstract:
A rare developmental cyst within the tongue and submandibular triangle of a male infant containing heterotopic gastric and intestinal epithelium (enterocystoma) is described and its derivation discussed. This cyst was of such a size as to cause feeding difficulties and partial airway obstruction during sleep. Following C.T. scanning, total obstruction necessitated an emergency tracheostomy. Successful enucleation via a median labiomandibulotomy was performed without further complication and two years later there is no sign of recurrence.