A thoracal spinal cord teratoma associated with Taussig-Bing anomaly in a newborn

Abstract

Background: Teratomas are the most common type of childhood germ cell tumor, arising in both ovary and extragonadal locations. From 40% to 50% of the extragonadal teratomas occur in the sacrococcygeal region. Teratomas in the head, neck, brain, mediastinum, abdominal, and spinal cord locations are seen less frequently. Congenital anomalies are observed up to 26% of the cases with teratoma. Methods: A 2-day-old newborn was admitted to the hospital because of a mass in the interscapular region. She was evaluated for this and other anomalies. The mass was excised totally, and histopathologic evaluation was done. Results: Histopathologic examination of the mass revealed a mature teratoma. In addition, the child had a Taussig-Bing anomaly of the heart. Conclusions: This appears to be the first report of the association between congenital thoracic spinal cord teratoma and Taussig-Bing anomaly, a specific type of transposition of the great arteries.