Epignathus: clinical and sonographic observations of two cases.

The epignathus or mature pluritissued teratoma of the mid-line of the palate is a benign tumor for which the neonatal prognosis is related to the obstruction of the superior airway. This paper concerns observations of two cases, which developed in different ways. Echography enables diagnosis of this type of malformation which classically combines a heterogeneous polylobed mass, polyhydramnios and the absence of other morphological anomalies. It enables an accurate differential diagnosis to be made by eliminating the other masses of the cephalic region. Echographic diagnosis also allows a rational management decision to be made, i. e. termination of pregnancy if prognosis is poor, or continuation with multidisciplinary (neonatologist, obstetrician, surgeon) intervention at birth. Copyright 1994 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology