Download PDF
Am J Perinatol 2005; 22(6): 311-315
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-870658
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Neonatal Neck Mass in Identical Twins: An Unusual Presentation

Mohamed A. Bitar1 , Ghassan S. Dbaibo2
  • 1Assistant Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut, School of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, American University of Beirut, School of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 June 2005 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

ABSTRACT

Identical twins were noted to have a soft asymptomatic neck mass, each on the opposite side, at 1 week of age. The mass took a dramatic course 1 week later to present as a neck abscess, yet without systemic symptoms. Ultrasonography was highly suggestive of an infected lymphatic malformation (cystic hygroma). Intravenous antibiotics and drainage (aspiration/incision and drainage) resulted in resolution of the mass and no recurrence at 18 months follow-up. The concept of spontaneous involution of lymphatic malformation (cystic hygroma) is discussed as well as the management of neck abscesses in infancy.

KEYWORDS

Neonatal - lymphatic malformation - cystic hygroma - neck abscess

REFERENCES

  • 1 Orvidas L J, Kasperbauer J L. Pediatric lymphangiomas of the head and neck.  Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2000;  109 411-421
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 2 Zadvinskis D P, Benson M T, Kerr H H et al.. Congenital malformations of the cervicothoracic lymphatic system: embryology and pathogenesis.  Radiographics. 1992;  12 1175-1189
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 3 Sheth S, Nussbaum A R, Hutchins G M et al.. Cystic hygromas in children: sonographic-pathologic correlation.  Radiology. 1987;  162 821-824
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 4 Smith R J, Burke D K, Sato Y et al.. OK-432 therapy for lymphangiomas.  Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1996;  122 1195-1199
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 5 Ogita S, Tsuto T, Deguchi E. OK-432 therapy for unresectable lymphangiomas in children.  J Pediatr Surg. 1991;  26 263-268
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 6 Ogita S, Tsuto T, Nakamura K et al.. OK-432 therapy in 64 patients with lymphangioma.  J Pediatr Surg. 1994;  29 784-785
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 7 Brodsky L, Belles W, Brody A et al.. Needle aspiration of neck abscesses in children.  Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1992;  31 71-76
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar

Mohamed A BitarM.D. 

American University of Beirut, 3 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza

8th Floor, New York, NY 10017-2303