Heterotopic lingual brain in the newborn

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Developmental Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Heterotopic brain is a rare congenital anomaly.
• Histologically, it resembles mature brain tissue, including specialized structures like choroid plexus or glia.
• Accurate diagnosis requires specialized neural stains to distinguish it from other head and neck lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of heterotopic brain tissue on the dorsum of the tongue in a newborn.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and successful treatment of this developmental aberration.
• To contribute to the limited English literature on this condition.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case presentation of a newborn with a tongue mass.
• Histopathological examination of the excised tissue.
• Use of specialized neural stains for diagnosis.
• Surgical excision using carbon dioxide laser.
• One-year follow-up for complications and recurrence.

Main Results:

• A newborn presented with heterotopic brain tissue on the dorsum of the tongue.
• Histological analysis confirmed the presence of mature brain-like tissue.
• Differential diagnoses considered included various tumors and cysts of the head and neck.
• The patient underwent successful CO2 laser excision.
• No complications or recurrence were observed after one year.

Conclusions:

• Heterotopic brain on the tongue is an extremely rare developmental anomaly.
• Specialized neural stains are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• Carbon dioxide laser excision is an effective treatment modality.
• Complete resolution and long-term success can be achieved with appropriate management.