Lingual thyroglossal duct cyst causing death in a four-week-old infant

A 12-mm spherical thyroglossal duct cyst at the base of the tongue caused the death of a four-week-old infant by obstructing the glottis. Previous case reports of this rare entity indicate that the supine position aggravates airway obstruction. Proof of a cause and effect relationship between such a cyst and death is difficult in the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) age group because of nonspecific findings associated with asphyxia and SIDS. Autopsy should include a thorough examination of the oral cavity to detect such lesions.