Mature ruptured sacrococcygeal teratoma in a 1-day old neonate

Abstract

Sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) are rare congenital tumors that are derived from embryonic germ cell layers [1]. They are the most common extragonadal germ cell tumors (GCTs) in the neonate, with a reported incidence of 1 in 35 000 births [2]. Teratomas are made of tissues that derive from three germinal layers (ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm). Sacrococcygeal teratomas are more common in girls, with a sex ratio of 1:4 [3]. The most frequent location of teratoma in children is the sacrococcygeal area [4]. Many sacrococcygeal teratoma cases are diagnosed prenatally with routine ultrasonography between the 22nd and the 34th week of gestation. However, access to routine prenatal ultrasound in low and middle income countries is limited [5]. Antenatal diagnosis is essential to the pregnancy management and to prevent neonatal death by identifying fetuses that are at a higher risk of complications and planning an adequate intervention when needed [6]. This case is reported to describe a North African neonate presenting with a sacrococcygeal teratoma at birth without prior antenatal diagnosis, and highlight the need for prenatal routine care in low and middle income countries.

Keywords

• Sacrococcygeal teratoma
• Rupture
• Surgery