Prenatal diagnosis of a fetal intracranial immature teratoma.

Congenital intracranial teratoma is a rare disease. A fetus with a congenital intracranial teratoma presenting with a hydrocephalus at 27 weeks' gestation is presented. Prenatal ultrasonography and fetal magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a huge, heterogeneous intracranial mass including the infra- and supratentorial region and polyhydramnios. At 28 weeks' gestation, a cesarean section was performed to avoid divisive operation during delivery. The infant died after 10 min from respiratory failure. Histological examination revealed the diagnosis of immature teratoma. Early detection of congenital intracranial tumors is crucial. The prognosis is poor with death usually occurring shortly after birth. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.