Lingual thyroglossal duct cyst in newborns: previously misdiagnosed as laryngomalacia

OBJECTIVE: To distinguish lingual thyroglossal duct cyst (LTDC) from laryngomalacia in newborn. METHODS: The clinical data of five newborns who were diagnosed as LTDC were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Inspiratory stridor with chest wall retraction was cardinal symptom of newborn with LTDC. A slightly gray and round cyst with smooth surface at the base of the tongue was found with laryngoscopy. In computed tomography examination of larynx, a well-circumscribed lesion with low intensity was detected at the base of the tongue protruding into the air passage. Pathological examination demonstrated the cyst wall was composed of tabular and columnar epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: LTDC is a common disease in newborns, which is similar with laryngomalacia. For neonate suspected of LTDC, laryngoscopy examination should be taken first, while laryngeal CT scan is an important diagnosis basis to be reg. Cyst puncture can ameliorate the symptoms of LTDC, while surgical removal serves as a radical cure for LTDC.