A DERMOIDAL CYST IN THE NASOPHARYNX OF A NEWBORN

Summary Introduction. Dermoidal cysts, arising from the developing ectodermcan be sometime found within head and neck region. Nasopharyngeal localization that can obstruct the airway and create life-threatening situation may occur in 7% of all cases (10, 14). They should be excised as soon as possible, since sudden apnoeic cardiac arrest may occur. Case report. We describe a case of a three-week-old infant in whom dermoidal cyst caused almost complete obstruction of the airway. The cyst was excised after tracheostomy and child made uneventful recovery. Conclusions. An impaired nasopharyngeal patency in newborns should be regarded as a life threatening disorder. In selected cases, dermoid cysts can be responsible for impaired choanal patency and then they should be radically removed