Neonatal lingual choristoma with thyroid hemiagenesis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Congenital Anomalies
• Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

• Lingual cysts are rare congenital anomalies that can cause airway obstruction in infants.
• Thyroid hemiagenesis is a rare developmental anomaly of the thyroid gland.

Observation:

• A 45-day-old infant presented with recurrent choking spells and cyanosis.
• Physical examination identified a cyst on the infant's tongue.

Findings:

• Contrast-enhanced CT confirmed a lingual cyst and incidentally revealed thyroid hemiagenesis.
• Surgical excision of the lingual lesion was performed.
• Histopathological examination diagnosed the lesion as a lingual choristoma.

Implications:

• Early diagnosis and surgical management of lingual cysts are crucial for infant well-being.
• This case highlights the importance of recognizing co-occurring congenital anomalies like thyroid hemiagenesis.
• Lingual choristomas, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal airway obstruction.