Surgical resection of antenatally diagnosed orbital teratoma resulting in preservation of the globe

Abstract

Abstract Background Congenital orbital teratomas are rare and frequently diagnosed at birth or in infancy. Prenatal diagnosis allows for planned cesarean delivery, which may facilitate preservation of the neonate's eye. Case summary A 34-year-old, G2P0102 was referred at 29 weeks gestational age for finding of an orbital mass on ultrasound. Ultrasound examination revealed an orbital mass measuring 4.4 × 4.1 × 4.8 cm in the left orbit, displacing the left eye anteriorly. Based on the ultrasound examination, the diagnosis of a benign teratoma of the left orbit was made. The neonate was delivered by a planned cesarean section. Immediate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scans of neonate showed long bone formation in the mass, affirming our diagnosis. On day of life 1, the neonate underwent complete surgical resection of the tumor with pediatric neurosurgery and ophthalmology with preservation of the eye. Pathology of the mass was consistent with a benign teratoma. Conclusion Prenatal diagnosis of congenital orbital teratomas with planned cesarean section may limit injury to the exposed orbit, which is beneficial for eye preservation later in life.