Outcome of post-transfusion hepatitis C: disease severity in blood-component recipients and their implicated donors

BACKGROUND: Oral teratomas are rare entities. CASE: A patient was referred for elevations in the maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. On ultrasound examination, a cyst was seen protruding from the fetal mouth. Postnatally, a teratoma was found to be filling the neonate's oral cavity. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates problems in determining the etiology of head and neck masses antenatally. It also shows that teratomas can appear to regress and yield positive amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein and acetyl-cholinesterase. The appropriate perinatal management of this potentially devastating disorder includes preparation for establishing an airway following delivery.